When Wang Jian describes the keys to a U.S.-China joint venture, he uses the metaphor of marriage.

It takes a lot of trust and communication to keep both sides happy, Mr. Wang told GlobalAtlanta at the motor factory he runs in Changzhou, China.

Mr. Wang should know: he tied the knot with Atlanta-based East West Manufacturing seven years ago, and both firms count the relationship as one of their most important business decisions.

East West invested $250,000 in Changzhou Baojie Electric Motor Manufacturing Co. Ltd., or ...