Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing | Official Podcast Series

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight General Dynamics Mission Systems in Marion, Virginia —a facility that supports the development and production of advanced technologies for defense, aerospace, and national security applications. From precision manufacturing and rigorous quality standards to cutting-edge engineering, the Marion team plays an important role in delivering missi...

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Somic America in Wytheville, Virginia , a leading supplier to the automotive manufacturing market. Somic America specializes in the engineering, design, and manufacturing of high-quality ball joints for suspension and steering systems and rotary dampers for seat and tailgate applications .  With more than 35 years serving the North and South...

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight XCal Tools in Bristol, Virginia —a manufacturer specializing in high-performance cutting tools and precision tooling solutions for a variety of industries. From custom tool design to advanced manufacturing processes, XCal Tools helps customers improve efficiency, quality, and productivity. Their commitment to innovation, precision, and custo...

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Wolf Hills Fabricators in Abingdon, Virginia —a leading provider of structural steel fabrication serving commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects across the region and beyond. Known for their commitment to quality, precision, and craftsmanship, Wolf Hills Fabricators transforms raw steel into the critical components that support e...

In this episode of MadeInSWVA , we visit West River Conveyors in Oakwood, Virginia—a company building custom conveyor systems and heavy-duty conveyor components for industries that keep the world moving. From underground mining operations to overland material handling systems, West River designs and fabricates the equipment that helps transport coal, aggregates, sand, gravel, salt, potash, and oth...

Peyton Spencer didn’t set out to work in manufacturing—but an internship quickly changed everything. In this episode of How I Got Here: Manufacturing , Peyton shares how a communications major turned into a dynamic career spanning marketing, quality control, data analysis, HR, and process improvement . Along the way, she discovered the wide range of opportunities available in modern manufacturing—...

Welcome to the Q1 2026 edition of the SVAM Member News Update , your quarterly look at the latest developments across Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing community.  In this episode, we highlight major investments in advanced manufacturing and additive technologies , including a $6 million regional initiative aimed at creating new jobs and strengthening the talent pipeline. We also celebrate AQ Tra...

In this wrap-up episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we reflect on the 2026 Women of Manufacturing Symposium and the Outstanding Women of Manufacturing series, highlighting the many career paths that make up Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing industry. From administrative support and production to leadership roles, this episode brings together the key themes from across the series and explores how...

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we highlight the Management category from the 2026 Outstanding Women of Manufacturing Awards, presented during the Women of Manufacturing Symposium in Abingdon, Virginia. Management roles in manufacturing go far beyond titles—they connect people, processes, and performance. From overseeing production and guiding engineering teams to managing supply chain...

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we highlight the Hourly and Production category from the 2026 Outstanding Women of Manufacturing Awards, presented during the Women of Manufacturing Symposium in Abingdon, Virginia. From machine operation and quality inspection to logistics and safety, production roles are where materials are transformed into finished products. These careers require skil...

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we highlight the Administrative Support category from the 2026 Outstanding Women of Manufacturing Awards, presented during the Women of Manufacturing Symposium in Abingdon, Virginia. Administrative professionals play a critical role in manufacturing operations across Southwest Virginia. From accounting and scheduling to logistics coordination and custome...

In this special episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we take listeners inside the 2026 Women of Manufacturing Symposium hosted by the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Virginia. Held during Women’s History Month, the event brought together manufacturing professionals, students, and community leaders from across Southwest Vir...

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight SunCoke Energy in Vansant, Virginia , a key producer of high-quality metallurgical coke that powers the steelmaking industry across the country. Operating advanced heat recovery coke-making technology, SunCoke’s Vansant facility plays an essential role in supporting domestic steel production while maintaining a strong focus on safety, enviro...

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Westlake Royal Building Products in Marion, Virginia —a leading manufacturer of high-quality exterior and interior building materials trusted across North America. From durable siding and trim to innovative building solutions, the Marion facility plays a vital role in producing products that shape homes and communities. We explore how Westla...

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company in Glade Spring, Virginia —a key production site for one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of durable, dry-type trailers for the freight and transportation industry. Get an inside look at how Utility Trailer blends precision manufacturing, continuous improvement, and skilled craftsmanship to build th...

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company in Atkins, Virginia —a key production site for one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of durable, high-performance trailers for the freight and transportation industry. Get an inside look at how Utility Trailer blends precision manufacturing, continuous improvement, and skilled craftsmanship to build...

Welcome to the Q4 2025 edition of the SVAM Member News Update ! In this episode, we cover the latest manufacturing milestones, community engagement, and workforce development efforts from across Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing sector . Highlights include:   $35 million expansion at VFP, Inc. in Duffield  A powerful student literacy initiative from Somic America in Wytheville  Tate, Inc.’s new f...

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we feature Universal Fibers in Bristol, Virginia —a global leader in the production of solution-dyed synthetic fibers used in a wide range of industries including automotive, flooring, and textiles . With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and customization , Universal Fibers sets the standard for high-performance, environmentally responsible product...

In this episode of MadeInSWVA , we highlight VFP, Inc. of Duffield, Virginia — winner of the 2025 Community Impact Award . From painting school gyms and supporting Habitat for Humanity, to donating tens of thousands in trade materials and hiring over 60 graduates from Mountain Empire Community College, VFP’s community engagement runs deep. We speak with Bill Regert, Environmental Health and Safety...

In this episode of MadeInSWVA , we feature Real Performance Machinery (RPM) of Independence, Virginia — winner of the 2025 Environmental Excellence Award . We speak with Craig Hensdell, Operations Manager at RPM , about how the company has made sustainability a core part of its manufacturing strategy. From reclaiming coolant and reducing offcuts to employee-led initiatives and local sourcing, RPM...

In this episode of MadeInSWVA , we feature VFP, Inc. of Duffield, Virginia , winner of the 2025 Excellence in Safety Award . VFP’s safety program doesn’t just meet the standard — it sets it. Through clear expectations, daily accountability, and a team-driven culture, VFP empowers every employee to take ownership of safety. From innovative incentives to real-time tracking, their system works becaus...

In this episode of MadeInSWVA , we shine a spotlight on Hitachi Energy of Bland, Virginia — winner of the 2025 Community Choice Award , as selected by local organizations and individuals. From school sponsorships to emergency relief efforts, Hitachi Energy’s impact reaches far beyond the walls of their facility. Their nomination came directly from the people they’ve supported — including a touchin...

What does it take to become Manufacturer of the Year? In this episode of MadeInSWVA , we spotlight VFP, Inc. of Duffield, Virginia , the winner of the 2025 Manufacturer of the Year Award. Known for their customizable, prefabricated structures that serve critical infrastructure across the country, VFP stood out for more than just production numbers. We speak with Bill Regert, Director of Environmen...

Strongwell of Bristol, Virginia took home the 2025 Innovations in Manufacturing Award for a product six years in the making: Strongdek — a structural decking system that redefines what’s possible with fiber-reinforced polymer. In this episode of MadeInSWVA , we explore how Strongwell combined pultrusion and extrusion, overcame technical hurdles, and positioned their new product for a $4 billion ma...

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight United Salt Corporation in Saltville, Virginia , where history and innovation come together to produce high-quality salt for agricultural, commercial, and industrial use. Rooted in a community long known for salt production, United Salt continues this legacy with modern operations, committed to quality, consistency, and customer service . Fr...