The number of American manufacturing jobs has increased for the first time in 13 years. Despite powerhouse countries like China, the U.S. is still the No. 1 manufacturing country in the world.

"A common misperception is that the United States doesn't make anything anymore," said Thomas Hook, the chief executive officer of Greatbatch, Inc.

"We need a highly skilled work force," he added. "So it's very advantageous to be in a country like the United States where people are educated and are ready to be hired."

Factories in the U.S. still out-produce China by 40 percent. According to the United Nations, the U.S. made nearly $1.7 trillion in goods in 2009.

While many Chinese factories produce electronics, toys and shoes, American manufacturers focus on more expensive goods that require specialized labor.

Though the U.S. Remains No. 1 in global manufacturing, China isn't too far behind. It's share of manufacturing output jumped from about 6 percent in 1998 to 15 percent in 2008.