American Factory documents the reopening of a closed General Motors plant in Ohio by a Chinese glass manufacturer. It follows tensions and learning processes as Chinese managers and American workers attempt to reconcile different expectations about work, productivity, safety and labour representation.

Use in class

This documentary is well suited to teaching cross cultural management, industrial relations and operations. It encourages discussion of global value chains, the transfer of management practices across contexts and the role of unions. It also provides a concrete case of how strategic decisions affect local communities.

Trailer