TVs assembled in America draw buyers

>>> it's hard to thing of anything more universal in american homes than a television, but it's rare to find an american made television anymore. you would almost have to travel back in time a couple decades. that is starting to change, and that in this case, means jobs in this country. our report tonight from nbc's kevin tibbles.

>> assembly lines are synonymous with detroit, but these people aren't making cars. they're making televisions.

>> the line is sold out until the end of the year.

>> sold them all?

>> sold them all.

>> element electronics have moved the assembly of the larger electronics from asia to the motor city . you would be hard pressed to find a living room in america that doesn't have a tv. but try finding a tv that is made in america . you can't. all the big american manufacturers left or went under years ago.

>> zenith, the quality goes in before the name goes on.

>> and while labor costs are higher, element said lower tariffs and transportation costs mean making tvs in america once again makes economic sense. good news in a region that has taken a beating. jobs easy to come by?

>> in the detroit area , no.

>> here, former autoworkers are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel , and it's in hd.

>> me and my husband both lost our jobs at one point. so it was tough for a while.

>> initially, element is starting small, only 100 jobs, but plans to expand and attract parts manufacturers so components don't have to be imported. competitors are watching.

>> there's certainly more people behind us in line on the diving board than there are in the pool, but we have done our homework and we're ready to do that. fwl the 46 and 50-inch models come in boxes as patriotic in appearance as old glory. they also come wrapped in hope.

>> it's been hard on us, but we're going to make it.

>> and tvs could be the beginning where.

>> absolutely. everyone needs a tv.

>> here, they're hoping it's one made in america . kevin tibbles, nbc news, canton, michigan.