The Manufacturing Report

In an era of overseas production, one family-owned Alabama company is opting out of the race to the bottom and bringing back the heritage of high-quality American-made linens. Red Land Cotton Founder Anna Brakefield talks about building a fully American-made, farm-to-home textile business. She discusses how her family vertically integrated their Alabama cotton farm to control production from field to finished bedding, overcoming supply chain challenges and investing in U.S. manufacturing. Anna also reflects on the importance of keeping textile jobs in America, the impact of local economic revitalization, and how Red Land Cotton blends craftsmanship, sustainability, and design to prove that quality goods can still be Made in the USA. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories on U.S. trade policy, buying American, and protecting American jobs. Resources & Links Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest or our bi-weekly Check out our Made In America Directory You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories on U.S. trade policy, buying American, and protecting American jobs. Guest Resources Watch Clash of Trades on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ProjectMFG Project MFG Website: projectmfg.com Instagram: instagram.com/projectmf Resources & Links Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest or our bi-weekly version, ManufactureThis Check out our Made In America Directory You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Socials X: @KeepItMadeInUSA Facebook: www.facebook.com/americanmanufacturing Instagram: www.instagram.com/americanmanufacturing #MadeInUSA, #FastFashion, #Shein, #Temu, #AmericanManufacturing

Think Top Chef — but for welders, machinists and engineers. Ray Dick, founder of Project MFG and creator of the reality show Clash of Trades, discusses how his organization is inspiring the next generation of manufacturers through hands-on competition and community engagement. He shares how Project MFG evolved from local events into a national showcase during COVID, highlights its role in addressing the skilled labor shortage, and emphasizes manufacturing’s importance to economic and national security. Dick also explores how inclusivity and purpose-driven education can attract more people into the trades. Resources & Links Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest or our bi-weekly Check out our Made In America Directory 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories on U.S. trade policy, buying American, and protecting American jobs. Guest Resources Watch Clash of Trades on Youtube: / projectmfg Project MFG Website: projectmfg.com Instagram: instagram.com/projectmf Resources & Links Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest or our bi-weekly version, ManufactureThis Check out our Made In America Directory You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Socials X: @KeepItMadeInUSA Facebook: www.facebook.com/americanmanufacturing Instagram: www.instagram.com/americanmanufacturing #ClashOfTrades #ProjectMFG #MadeInAmerica #Manufacturing #SkilledTrades #FutureOfWork #ManufacturingMatters #AmericanManufacturing #WorkforceDevelopment #TradeSkills

A little-known trade loophole cost American jobs and put families at risk — until a coalition fought back. Kim Glas, president & CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations, discusses how a coalition of labor, manufacturers, retailers and families worked together to close the de minimis loophole. Kim explains how Chinese e-commerce giants exploited this U.S law to flood the U.S. with untaxed and uninspected goods, including products made with forced labor, unsafe merchandise, and fentanyl shipments into the country. Kim breaks down where the law now stands and how de minimis reform protects American workers, consumers, and national security.

You've probably tasted this product a thousand times, maybe without even knowing its name! From pumpkin spice to hibiscus, family-owned Torani has been bringing delicious flavors to life for 100 years through its San Francisco-made syrups. But there's so much more to this B-Corp-certified company than just "mmmm" factor. Torani CEO Melanie Dulbecco shares how the family-owned company pioneered the flavored latte, grew from cafés into consumer markets, and how the company's commitment to opportunity- and wealth-sharing has been critical to its 20% year-over-year revenue growth. Photo courtesy Torani

Eight out of ten eyeglass frames sold in America come from China - but a Texas couple is out to change that. Rick and Cindy Taylor, founders of Forall Frameworks - one of the few U.S. eyewear manufacturers - discuss their path from importing eyewear to establishing a factory in Lubbock, Texas, overcoming challenges like sourcing overseas machinery, training workers, and competing with global monopolies. They highlight their commitment to quality and American-made values and the pride their team takes in producing durable, American-made frames that compete with imports.

Megan Salrin, the National Coordinator for Rapid Response at the United Steelworkers, began her career as an intern with the Alliance for American Manufacturing. Today, we’re looking back on her journey from a small-town union household to advocating for workers in Congress. Megan shares stories of saving manufacturing jobs, pushing for the Leveling the Playing Field Act 2.0, and promoting American-made products. Her career embodies purpose-driven leadership, union values, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening U.S. manufacturing.

One technology manufacturer is making a bold bet that could reshape the future of U.S. tech production. Our team at AAM heads to Long Island for the groundbreaking of Orbic’s “Project Patriot,” an ambitious reshoring initiative bringing electronics manufacturing back to the United States and creating over 1,000 jobs.

A century-old company is reinventing itself to solve one of manufacturing’s biggest challenges. Rachel Zapernick, general manager at Thomas (now part of Xometry), discusses the company’s evolution from a printed directory to a leading digital platform connecting U.S. manufacturers with buyers. She covers how the company addresses labor shortages through workforce development and the growing role of automation and AI in the industry. Zapernick also shares how Thomas is investing in the next generation of talent and working to reshape the public perception of modern manufacturing careers across the country.

With a background as unique as her mission, one woman is bringing fresh energy to U.S. manufacturing. Christine Holly Ngo, founder of Silicon Valley Elite Manufacturing and host of the Making Things Fun, Cool & Sexy podcast, shares her journey from red carpet entertainment reporter to manufacturing advocate, detailing how she reconnected with her family’s business and launched efforts to make manufacturing exciting and accessible. She discusses reshoring in Silicon Valley, engaging the next generation, empowering women in the industry, and embracing automation and robotics as part of America’s manufacturing revival.

Marlin Steel Wire Products LLC President & Owner Drew Greenblatt knows the power of manufacturing jobs in America, but he also knows that unfair trade has stacked the odds against this vital industry — something he's told four U.S. presidents over the course of his career. Is Washington getting the picture now? Greenblatt offers his take on The Manufacturing Report podcast. Photo courtesy Drew Greenblatt

Wright Tool Company's hand tools have been used by the Department of Defense in every conflict around the world since the department's founding, as well as in the construction or repair of every power plant, bridge, and so many other critical pieces of infrastructure in the United States. That's the kind of patriotic pride that's the backbone of this family-owned company building and defending our country. Tom Futey, Wright Tool president and owner, discusses why the company has chosen to manufacture its high-quality hand tools near Akron, Ohio, for almost a century and reflects on the value of in-house manufacturing, workforce development, innovation in tool design, and the challenges of staying competitive amid globalization and post-COVID labor shifts.

Today, we spotlight the workers at the heart of American manufacturing! Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul shares powerful stories from factory workers across the United States and offers a ground-level view of American Manufacturing today. From steel mills in Indiana and Ohio to copper mining in Utah and paper production in Oregon, workers share how manufacturing sustains families, communities and local economies. Workers also share the importance of strong trade policy and why keeping jobs in America matters now more than ever.

A viral TikTok trend is taking viewers inside Chinese factories, promising designer-quality goods at rock-bottom prices — but at what cost? The Alliance for American Manufacturing’s Cat Adams and Scott Paul unpack the truth behind these videos, explore the ethical and economic issues tied to cheap imports, and highlight the growing movement to support American-made products. Plus, hear how NFL star Jason Kelce is teaming up with American Giant to promote U.S. manufacturing through fashion with a purpose. Getty Images

Ideas can come from anywhere… even while just doing laundry! Holli Harris, founder of The Nice Rack, shares how a Scottish drying rack inspired her to launch a Made-in-America business from her garage. She details the product’s development, early sales through Etsy, and her hands-on approach to manufacturing. Holli discusses the challenges of sourcing materials locally, her commitment to sustainability, and the joy of building a functional, beautiful product. Photo courtesy of The Nice Rack

On April 2, the United States launched its boldest trade move in decades. Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul and Senior Vice President For Government Affairs & Policy Scott Boos break down the sweeping tariff changes, marking a strong shift away from globalization. They discuss how reciprocal tariffs what it means for trade with countries like China, the EU, and Mexico. They also talk about the closure of the de minimis loophole affecting platforms like Temu and SHEIN and the rollout of steep auto tariffs aimed at rebuilding U.S. manufacturing and strengthening national security. Getty Images

Buy America isn’t just a slogan — it’s a lifeline for U.S. manufacturers and local communities. No one knows this more than Hollie Noveletsky, CEO of Novel Iron Works in New Hampshire. Hollie shares why strong Buy America policies are essential to leveling the playing field and how they reinvest public infrastructure dollars into local jobs and communities. Photo courtesy of Hollie Noveletsky

One company has been crafting durable American-made baskets for over a century. Paul Lordan, second-generation owner of Steele Canvas Basket Corp, shares how the company expanded beyond its industrial roots, with its carts appearing in movies and even Red Sox celebrations. The 2008 recession and COVID-19 forced the company to adapt, leading to a thriving e-commerce business. Despite foreign competition, Steele Canvas remains committed to U.S. manufacturing and craftsmanship. Photo courtesy of Steele Canvas

The future of footwear isn’t plastic — it’s algae. Ryan Hunt, co-founder of Shloop and BLKSWN Footwear, discusses how his journey to a footwear factory in Meridian, Miss., began with a bioengineering lab. Hunt discusses: • How algae, once explored for biofuels, became a key ingredient in his companies’ eco-friendly footwear • The pitfalls of global supply chains • Why he decided to manufacture in the United States • What’s coming next for his retail brand as it develops its customer base Photo courtesy of Shloop

Finding the perfect Made in America gift can be tough. How do you know what’s truly made here? Alex Goulet and his co-author Willy DeConto set out to make solve this problem. Alex joins The Manufacturing Report to discuss the latest edition of "Crafted with Pride," a directory of 1,400+ Made in USA brands. He shares insights on U.S. manufacturing, consumer habits, and how the book helps buyers find American-made products. Photo courtesy of Alex Goulet

President Donald Trump didn’t impose tariffs on the first day of his second administration, but he did set the stage for them. Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) President Scott Paul and AAM Senior Vice President for Government Affairs & Policy Scott Boos give you their take on the “America First” trade memo Trump issued on Jan. 20 and its implications for U.S. manufacturing. More discussion points from the memo: • Revoking China’s permanent normal trade relations with the U.S. • Evaluating the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement • Enforcing existing trade laws • Creating new trade enforcement tools • Losing loopholes like de minimis. Photo by Jim Watson/Getty Images