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.