Deck the Halls with Made in America

I recently ran across a gift giving guide from the Alliance for American Manufacturing that provided a state-by-state listing of U.S. manufactured products, suitable for this holiday season. I wondered, how many on the list have worked with our MEP system? When a quick search of our database turned up a solid dozen, I knew I had to put this post together. So, with apologies to the beloved song...

On the 12th day of the season, my Make-It-In-America special someone gave to me: 

Planners Planning – Harvey’s California started in a small garage where Dana and Melanie Harvey repurposed a seat belt from a car they were restoring into a hand bag. They now make a wide product line including spiral planners.

 

Blenders Blending – For almost 70 years Vitamix has been making products to produce healthier foods in multiple states across the country.

 

Duffels Packing – Montana-based Red Oxx was started by a former Green Beret jump master who made his first products from military surplus webbing. They now make packs and other outdoor gear.

 

Axes Shredding – multiple Grammy nominated artists play Paul Reed Smith Guitars. This Stevensville, Maryland, based company has an artist line-up that includes Carlos Santana, Dave Navarro, and John Mayer.

 

Corduroys Swishing – Tartan rompers? Bailey Boys has got them. 40 years ago Diane Bailey turned her home economics degree from Georgia Southern into this growing children’s clothing concern.

 

Zip Totes Toting – Okay we have a Bailey theme going here, but this time it is Bailey Bag Works from Newmarket, New Hampshire. Purchase a bag or tote from their line and you will know that it was “handmade by American grownups.”

 

Buck Knives Folding – You probably don’t need much of an introduction to the iconic knife maker from Idaho that provides a “forever warranty” with all their products. You can also tour the Buck Knives plant in Post Falls, Idaho.

 

Copper Core Pans – As a practicing culinarian, I can tell you that the products produced by All-Clad in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, are worth their weight in golden rings.

 

Cat’s Eye Marbles – Bet you didn’t know that the king of the marble industry is based in Paden City, West Virgina, but this is where Marble King produces over a million marbles a day – both industrial and the kind you might have played with as a child.

 

Petroglyph Tees – Santa Fe, New Mexico based Tewa Tees produces wearable art that represents the diverse aspects of the North American Indian culture.

 

Paisley Bow Ties – Or cummerbunds, or pocket squares. R. Hanauer has been making all of these in Fort Mill, South Carolina, since 1985.

 

And a Custom Kitchen Cabinet Set – and likely a pretty sweet one too if it comes from Bellmont Cabinet Company in Washington State.

Happy Holidays to one and all. Even if it is not one of these MEP client firms, consider supporting U.S. manufacturing when it comes to gift giving this season.