Product companies are becoming more sophisticated at analyzing the total landed cost, also referred to as total cost of ownership, to produce their products.

FORBES: Manufacturing Forecast - Growth Expected in 2013

We have compared the total landed cost to Chicago of labor, transportation, taxes, quality and inventory carrying costs for outsourced manufacturing in 4 countries: U.S., China, Cambodia and Brazil.

FORBES: Forget About The Debt Ceiling Debate, Where's The Economic Growth?

But we're investing in the United States because we have the technology, we have the capability for manufacturing those products on a lowest-landed cost basis for markets outside of the United States.

WHITEHOUSE: Briefing by Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest

Despite having the best workplace-environment score, Hawaii, the state with the steepest cost of living, landed in the bottom spot this year.

FORBES: The Best And Worst States To Make A Living In

Orem, Utah-based Mity-Lite did--and it probably cost the company a spot on the 200 Best (where it had landed five of the six previous years).

FORBES: The Race To Embrace