Made in the USA

In a competitive market, it's tempting to cut corners. Even when a business is just getting started, there's a big temptation to outsource manufacturing and suppliers overseas. In the popular show, "Shark Tank," entrepreneurs are often encouraged to lower manufacturing costs and increase profit margins by using overseas manufacturing. Who wants to say no to a shark? However, trying to save money in this way comes with a price. More often than not, you get what you pay for and end up spending more money trying to fix shoddy workmanship or deal with substandard components than you would have spent going with a domestic manufacturer or supplier. Another thing to consider as a businessperson is your impact on the economy. Going overseas takes jobs and money out of the local economy while choosing domestic manufacturers and supplier’s pumps money in. This is a win-win for everyone because you're not only supplying high quality products to your customers but you're providing local jobs as well. You may be surprised at just how much manufacturing is still done domestically. Read on to learn about just a few industries that is still proudly made in the U.S.A.

• Welding alloys and electrodes.

Selectrode Industries, whose headquarters are based in New York and factory is in Pennsylvania, specializes in manufacturing high quality common and specialty alloys. The philosophy of the company is to, "supply, not compete." Selectrode does this by foregoing the production of their own brand of products and instead, provides custom labeling and branding of the products they manufacture for companies all over the world. This is one way in which American-made products are making their way across the globe.

• Metal fabrication. For nearly 30 years, this Florida-based company has been providing high quality stainless rails and aluminum fabrications to the marine and architectural fields. Stainless Fabricators, Inc., specializes in commercial and industrial products made of stainless steel or aluminum such as custom and production rails, trellises, cladding and stairs. The company also offers glass rails, cable rails, smoke baffle rails, perforated and mesh rails, and vertical and horizontal pickets.
• Lighting fixtures. There are nearly two dozen different companies that manufacture lighting fixtures, many of which have either been around since the early 1900s, are family-run businesses or are both. Northeast Lantern is family owned and operated, providing handcrafted light fixtures with a wide variety of glass and finish options. The company offers lanterns, chandeliers, sconces, flush mount lighting, and hanging and pendant lighting as well as a broad selection of appropriate accessories.
• Plumbing parts. Whether it's a fill valve, flapper, flush valve or a specialty part, Coast Products USA provides everything a plumber needs for toilet repair - including toilet repair kits. Since the 1940s, Coast has been providing state of the art plumbing products which today can be found in industry leaders such as American Standard, Crane and Kohler. Coast prides itself on innovative products and a dedication to water conservation.
• Injection molding. Based in Oregon, Rex Plastics, Inc. has been providing high quality injection molding for over 40 years. The company is family owned and operated, proudly supporting the domestic injection molding industry and domestic manufacturing. Rex Plastics has an in-house full-service tool room which means short downtimes and quick modifications. Also available are plastic product design and 3D printing services.
• Vinyl fencing. USA Vinyl is based in Ohio and manufactures vinyl fencing as well as vinyl outdoor living products. Their products are made from virgin vinyl and are up to five times stronger and more durable than wood.

About the Author: Thomas M. Bird is a manufacturing expert and contributing writer who enjoys helping both businesses and consumers find the goods and services they need that are made in the U.S.A.

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