The Manufacturing Report

As the coronavirus crisis sweeps through the nation, manufacturers, small and large alike, are finding new ways to work. Based in Buffalo, New York, wool-felt pennant maker Oxford Pennant caught the world by storm with early partnerships with Phish and J. Crew when the company launched. In this episode, Oxford Pennant co-founder Dave Horesh shares how the company is finding an alternate path forwa...

First things first, let's fight the spread of the novel coronavirus that has besieged countries all over the globe and communities all over America. But, as we work to stop the pandemic, we can't forget America's factory workers. As the country braces for impact, host Scott Paul shares his outlook on manufacturing in the United States now and after the public health crisis subsides, when the world...

With the flip of a coin, Philip Spector launched a career in apparel manufacturing that has spanned over forty years in Baltimore, Md. Over that time, Charm City's once-thriving apparel factories dwindled, but Fashions Unlimited remained, working with some of fashion's biggest names. Nonetheless, Spector always makes time for Baltimore's emerging designers.

There's been a bit of a baby boom at the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM). As our families continue to grow, so too do our lists of the best of the best Made in America baby products. AAM's newest parents gather round to share their favorite finds and some clever baby hacks. Photo courtesy of the U.S. National Archives

Workers saw 3.7 million U.S. jobs lost to China since 2001, according to a study recently released by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). But, the Trump administration is celebrating the signing of a "Phase 1" U.S.-China trade deal. Is it time for a victory lap? In this episode, host Scott Paul and EPI's Dr. Robert Scott break down the data, what policy leaders need to do to stem the flood of job...

Dedicated to a deep and honest exploration of America's printing and production techniques, Chicago-based Field Notes has been reinventing the notebook since 2006. Field Notes President Jim Coudal shares the genesis of the brand and an inside look at the design process behind one of its most beloved limited-edition notebooks. Photo courtesy of Field Notes

Though Rev. Georgiette Morgan-Thomas was set to retire after 20 years of social work, she was far from ready to hang up her hat. In 2016, the pastor from Harlem used her life savings to purchase a historic hat factory in Philadelphia that was on the cusp of closure. Throwing herself into the manufacturing and design process, the reverend has established a new modern space for American Hats in the...

Vermont-based Ann Clark Cookie Cutters may have humble beginnings, but it's well on its way to dominating the global market. Ann Clark Cookie Cutters CEO Ben Clark shares how the company's taking on China in its mission to be the world's cookie cutter supplier with a marketing and manufacturing edge. Photo courtesy of Ann Clark Cookie Cutters

Dubbed the "Sock Queen" by The New York Times, Gina Locklear, founder of zkano organic socks, founded her company with the central mission of saving her parents' sock mill in Fort Payne, Ala. Ten years later, she's as determined as ever to restore her hometown's manufacturing legacy as the "Sock Capital of the World." Photo courtesy of zkano

It's the most wonderful time of the year! And our 2019 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide is ready to help you keep your holiday shopping Made in America. In this episode, Scott Paul speaks with the Alliance for American Manufacturing's own Elizabeth Brotherton-Bunch about how exactly the gift guide comes together, and we hear from several of the manufacturers spotlighted in this year's guide.

In the 1970s, the West Virginia-based Homer Laughlin China Company was forced to discontinue its iconic Fiesta dishware brand in a market overrun by cheap imports. But a fervent fan base clamored for its return, and Homer Laughlin resumed selling its colorful tableware. On this episode, host Scott Paul speaks with Homer Laughlin CEO Elizabeth McIlvain to find out how the company beat the odds and...

Joseph Abboud's menswear factory in New Bedford, Mass., churns out over 300,000 suits a year. With 800 workers, the factory qualifies as the largest menswear manufacturer in North America and has been a critical component to Abboud's success as a designer and the Chief Creative Officer for Jos. A Bank and Men's Wearhouse. Host Scott Paul learns why this factory has been the key differentiator for...

Since launching in 2017, athletic apparel manufacturer Stateline US has proven that it can keep its entire production and sourcing, from zippers to packaging, in America. Now, the company is setting out to tackle an even greater challenge -- to take down sportswear icon Champion. Photo by Joey Cupelli for Stateline US

It's a fight that could impact tens of millions of manufacturing jobs and the future of public transportation in the United States. Momentum is building on Capitol Hill to ban companies owned, controlled, or subsidized by the Chinese government from using U.S. tax dollars to build rail cars or buses. In this episode, The Manufacturing Report chats with experts Greg Rogers and Alex Hutkin from Secu...

It's been more than a year since we first examined China's grip on pharmaceutical manufacturing. While the United States remains dependent on China for everything from vitamins to antibiotics and cancer medications, there is growing recognition that there is a problem, and hearings on Capitol Hill are now planned to find solutions. In this episode, host Scott Paul revisits his conversation with Ro...

There's been plenty of buzz about American Factory, the Netflix documentary that provides an incredible fly-on-the-wall look as Chinese glass manufacturer Fuyao takes over an abandoned General Motors plant near Dayton, Ohio. American Factory nabbed the U.S. Documentary Directing prize at the Sundance Film Festival and is even being backed by Higher Ground Productions, the production company run by...

Summer is quickly coming to an end, and we all know what that means: back to school! For many new and returning college students, it is time to move into the dorm. AAM’s class of summer interns put together a list of Made in America college essentials. Host Scott Paul sat down with Luke Ferguson, Isabel Hayes, Libba McCraw, Noah Musto and Joseph Swindal to learn more. *Image courtesy of Getty

Since its birth from a bet in the summer of 2014, Cordova Outdoors has revolutionized the cooler industry. Cordova’s coolers have built-in bottle openers, special latches that protect your fingers from getting crushed, and most importantly, they will keep your beverages cold. Cordova CEO Chase Mart joins host Scott Paul to talk about what makes Cordova Outdoors stand out from the crowd. Visit Cord...

The Manufacturing Report recently traveled to Northwest Indiana — better known as "The Region" — to talk with workers and local residents about why the steel industry matters so much to the people living there. In this special bonus episode, host Scott Paul chats with Micah Pollak, an associate professor of economics at Indiana University Northwest, to learn more about steel's importance to the re...

Once called the "City of the Century," Gary, Indiana rose to fame for a couple of reasons — it is the hometown of the musical Jackson family, and it made a whole lot of steel. The Jacksons moved away, but the economy of Northwest Indiana — fondly known as the Region — remains forged in steel, making more steel than any other part of the country. On this episode of The Manufacturing Report, host Sc...

What do Iwo Jima, the Moon, the North Pole and President Lincoln’s funeral have in common? They’ve all featured American flags made by Annin Flagmakers, the world’s oldest and largest flag manufacturer. Proudly made in America since 1847, Annin flags have been present in many formative events in our nation’s history. Annin Flagmakers Vice President of Sales Bob Caggiano joins host Scott Paul to ta...

For 35 years, Okabashi has manufactured high-quality footwear available at a reasonable price. But what makes this company stand out is its commitment to keeping jobs in Buford, Ga., the community it calls home. Okabashi CEO Sara Irvani joins host Scott Paul to discuss the company's inspiring story, strong values and durable products. *Photo courtesy of Okabashi

When unfair trade practices forced U.S. Steel to shutter its Fairfield, Ala., blast furnace, the community’s families and businesses took a disastrous hit. But now there’s new hope. Host Scott Paul sat down with United Steelworkers Local 1013’s president, vice president and pension and benefits coordinator to learn how trade action is breathing new life into Fairfield. Also, listen to firsthand ex...

Aardvark Straws has been making paper straws since well before they were cool -- since 1888, to be exact! Today, the paper straw manufacturer is disrupting the single-use plastic straw market and leading the transformation from plastic to paper. Here's how Aardvark is pioneering Straw 2.0 and expanding production by 700% to meet exponentially growing demand. * Photo courtesy of Aardvark Straws.

In the second part of our on-the-ground report from Granite City, Ill., host Scott Paul chats with local business owners to find out how the community outside the local steel mill's fences has fared following Section 232 trade action.