I read with interest your recent article entitled, "Airplane parts maker in Baltimore County to hire 200" (June 8). This announcement from GE-owned Middle River Aircraft Systems of expanded operations at its eastern Baltimore County plant is just one the most recent examples of a localized spike in attractive manufacturing jobs.

Earlier this year, General Motors announced that its Allison Transmission Plant, located in White Marsh, would serve as the corporation's national hub for the production of its new electric auto motors. This decision will also lead to the creation of about 200 additional manufacturing-related positions, helping to contribute to Maryland's recent employment upswing.

Sadly, many pundits have been proclaiming the death of American manufacturing for some time. However, if these two recent examples show anything it is that domestic manufacturing corporations — when they reinvest in their infrastructure and their core business strengths — can find success, even in a challenging economy.

Jeffrey Smith, Nottingham