Made Here

C H A M P I O N I N G A M E R I C A N - M A D E P R O D U C T S & I N N O VAT I O N

FA L L 2 0 2 0

madeheremag.com

@magmadehere

WHY BUY AMERICAN?

SUPPORT FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES IS AN INVESTMENT IN OUR COMMUNITIES

COOL PRODUCTS MADE IN THE USA �� BRANDS MADE IN AMERICA

THE COMMON GOOD AMERICAN BUSINESSES MAKING A DIFFERENCE DURING THE COVID��� PANDEMIC

BREATHE BETTER

Protect your home and family by Breathing Clean, Quality Air.

Call Toll Free: (855) 345-8289

info@filterbuy.com

CONTENT FALL 2020

PAGE

10

THE COMMON GOOD American businesses pull together to help citizens through the pandemic

F E AT U R E S

7 MADE IN THE USA… OR IS IT? You may be surprised that these products didn’t originate in the U.S. …and that others did

4

MADE HERE 2020 / FALL

16 20 BRANDS MADE IN AMERICA Twenty manufacturers making their products here in America and supporting the economy

20 SIX GREAT AMERICAN INDIE GAME DEVELOPERS The styles, storylines, and innovative gameplay of American imagination

44 MADE IN AMERICA VERSUS ASSEMBLED IN AMERICA The percentage of manufacture of a product decides which is which

46 FIVE FACTS ABOUT PRODUCTS MADE IN AMERICA Supporting the American economy is always a good idea

PAGE

8

PAGE

22

WHY BUY AMERICAN? Support for local businesses is an investment in our communities

MADE IN THE USA Cool products manufactured right here in the United States

PAGE

18

PAGE

30

HISTORY OF THE PICKUP TRUCK The pickup truck is an American pop culture icon and a necessity

AMERICA’S OLDEST COMPANIES America’s oldest companies and the roles they’ve played in supporting America

PA R T N E R S

American Sports 14 Q&A WITH DAVID MACNEIL Dedicated to investing in American manufacturing and the American economy

38 GEN-Y HITCH From a pet project for an American entrepreneur to a standardsetting, multimillion dollar business

40 WORKARMOR American Made gloves that can be used on any job site or for protection while completing jobs around the house

42 FIMS A generational family-run firearms business that made its impact in the American defense industry

32 NASCAR: THE QUINTESSENTIAL AMERICAN SPORT 34 PRESIDENT TRUMP VISITS THE DAYTONA 500 36 NASCAR SALUTES 37 HOMETOWN, USA

MADEHEREMAG.COM

5

WELCOME TO MADE HERE

MADE HERE

Championing American Made Products & Innovation ADDRESS: 11880 28th St. N, Suite 101, St. Petersburg, FL 33716

Dear Reader, Thank you for taking the time to pick up this magazine in your local retailer or read it online. We are excited to deliver this first edition of MADE HERE for several reasons.

America is a melting pot. We know now more than ever that we are a collection of peoples, beliefs and principles. Simply put – buying American means supporting Americans and the American economy.

Buying American Made products is a mentality rather than an action. Buying American Made is not a price-, inventory- or convenience-driven decision.

Rather it is a belief in a way of life; a way of showing support and a way of exhibiting pride.

America is exposed in certain critical industries, including the production of pharmaceuticals and the manufacturing of live-saving ventilators. We learned in 2020 that we rely heavily on overseas production of products critical to our infrastructure and our well-being. We want to tell these stories so that hopefully, the lessons learned during the pandemic lead to change.

As the publisher of the officially licensed NASCAR Pole Position magazine, we have long discussed publishing a standalone magazine dedicated to American made products and companies that exemplify the American spirit.

We published this edition of MADE HERE with these objectives in mind: to help you understand what it means to be “Made in America,” to bring recognition to American made products (how can you not fall in love with Trouble the Dog!), and to make you stop and think before you make your next purchase.

We would love to get feedback from you regarding this edition or story suggestions for future editions.

Please email us at madehere@ae-engine.com.

PHONE: (727) 209-0792 WEB: madeheremag.com | ae-engine.com PUBLISHER: Craig Baroncelli

SALES VICE PRESIDENT, SALES: David Watson VICE PRESIDENT, EXECUTIVE ACCOUNTS: Chris Vita NATIONAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Justin Hand, Mark Morales, John Engle

EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR: Dan Guttenplan WRITERS: Craig Baroncelli, Dan Guttenplan, Josh Mull, Alex Ewalt, Ben White, Derek Smith, Rob Tiongson, Walter Villa, Michael Willard PHOTOGRAPHY: Adam Hook, Charlotte Smith, Craig Shipp, Ford Motor Company, Aaron D. McCormick, MacNeil Automotive, Getty Images, Scott Olson, Pascal Volk, General Motors, Honeywell, Tiffany N. Hardy, Justin Sullivan, Larry W. Smith, Bill Pugliano, Smithfield, Mike Lang. Photos in select features were provided by the companies represented.

C R E AT I V E ART DIRECTOR: Jason Tedeschi DIRECTOR, DIGITAL MEDIA: Nicole Cooper SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joe Rabuck DIRECTOR, DIGITAL CONTENT: Josh Mull

A D M I N I S T R AT I O N OPERATIONS MANAGER: Dennis Fasone SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATORS: Aidan Andersen, Ethan Andersen SPECIAL THANKS TO: Walton Press (Monroe, GA) A.E. ENGINE SPECIFIES THAT POST-PRESS CHANGES MAY OCCUR TO ANY INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PUBLICATION AND TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR GOODS OR SERVICES ADVERTISED. MAIL ORDER: To receive a copy of MADE HERE magazine, send a check or money order for $8.95 to: A.E. Engine, 11880 28th St. N, Suite 101, St. Petersburg, FL 33716.

Please include your return mailing address and an email address.

ONLINE ORDER: Orders can be placed at madeheremag.com DISTRIBUTION:

Best regards, Your friends at A.E. Engine

If you are a business or an organization interested in distributing copies of MADE HERE magazine, please contact Craig Baroncelli at (727) 209-1750 or cb@ae-engine.com.

SALES INQUIRIES: If you are interested in advertising in MADE HERE magazine, or would like to

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

@MAGMADEHERE 6

MADE HERE 2020 / FALL

become a field representative, please contact David Watson at (727) 209-0789, or dkw@ae-engine.com.

PRINTED IN THE U.S. A.

DID YOU KNOW?

MADE IN THE USA… OR IS IT? What’s more American than hot dogs, apple pie and the Star-Spangled Banner? You might be surprised. Plenty of “American” favorites have foreign origins like frankfurters, fruit pies or British drinking songs. Likewise, uncovering other products’ roots reveals an unexpected view of red, white and blue. Here’s a list that’s unexpectedly American and un-American.

TOP 5 UNEXPECTEDLY UN-AMERICAN Cowboys: Don’t let “America’s Team” or Wild West escapades of John Wayne and Gene Autry fool you. Horse-riding wranglers originally came to North America when Spanish conquistadors brought their cattle-raising practices to the New World. Spanish traditions evolved further in northern Mexico as vaqueros became the foundation for the American cowboy.

Kit Kats: Americans have been breaking off a piece of this candy classic since the 1970s. However, the chocolate-covered wafers were introduced in 1935 by England-based Rowntree’s. Now owned by Nestle, the candy’s name comes from a famous political and literary club that convened in a London pie shop during the 17th century.

Light Bulbs: Sure, American Thomas Edison invented the first light bulb in 1879… the first commercially produced light bulb. Long before that, English chemist Humphry Davy created the first electric arc lamp in 1802, named for the arc of light emitted between two carbon rods, a design Edison later perfected and patented.

Television: Scottish inventor John Logie Baird capitalized on predecessors who first sent still images over wires. He gave the first demonstration of televised silhouette images at a London department store in March 1925. American TV pioneer Charles Francis Jenkins gave his own public display mere weeks later, but the Scot widely gets the credit.

Denim Jeans: Levi Strauss brought the first blue jeans to gold-rushing U.S. miners, but the tough fabric used in the pants has a foreign foundation. Originating in the French city Nimes, the durable fabric “serge de Nimes” was colored with indigo dye and modeled on cotton “jean” trousers made in Genoa, Italy.

BY MICHAEL WILLARD

TOP 5 UNEXPECTEDLY AMERICAN LaCroix: Reminiscent of the famous French water Perrier, LaCroix was originally made in La Crosse, Wisconsin, at family-owned brewery G. Heileman. With “La” from its hometown and “Croix” from the nearby St. Croix River, the carbonated beverage was one of the first “AntiPerrier” brands intended to appeal to American sparkling water drinkers.

Häagen-Dazs: There’s an umlaut, a hyphen and … how do you say that? The ice cream doesn’t come from Europe, however. Born in the Bronx in the 1960s, Häagen-Dazs was created by Reuben and Rose Mattus, who named it in honor of Denmark’s efforts to save Jewish people during WWII. Ginsu Knives: It may sound Samurai strong – and that’s the idea – but the knife with the Japanese-like name comes from Fremont, Ohio. Originally produced as Quikut knives by the Scott Fetzer Company, the name change was a marketing ploy intended to make buyers think of durable, sharp swords.

Video Game Consoles: Forget Nintendo, the home video game console was created not in Japan, but in the U.S. Engineer Ralph H. Baer came up with the concept for Magnavox Odyssey while working for military contractor Sanders Associates.

Released in 1972, it was the first device you could plug into a TV to play games.

Transistors: Modern-day electronics may be produced in Asia, but the fundamental building block for today’s technology was invented in 1948 at Bell Telephone Laboratories. The transistor paved the way for everything from compact radios and calculators to computers, and it won four American physicists the Nobel Prize.

MADEHEREMAG.COM

7

WHY BUY AMERICAN? In the midst of a global pandemic, it is increasingly important for the American people to invest in and buy American Made products. Buying American Made products is not just about patriotism. It also helps to contribute to a stronger future for Americans through the support of our local businesses.

Support for local businesses is an investment in the community. It stimulates the American economy by building the most solid foundation imaginable: American citizens once again buying American Made products.

What are some of the reasons why you should buy American Made products? And why do we hear so many of our country’s leaders stressing the importance of investing in American Made products rather than feeding the supply chain of other countries that sell less expensive products?

We have listed 10 reasons why you should buy American Made products.

1

Environmentally Friendly.

When you buy American, you are limiting the carbon footprint that can be expanded through roundthe-world shipping methods.

Current technologies allow manufacturing processes in the U.S. to lean toward cleaner, renewable and eco-friendly practices. If we invest in American Made products, we can be sure that we are doing our part to contribute to a cleaner environment for our generation, not to mention the generations to come.

Eliminates Reliance on Foreign Exports. A big part of President Trump’s platform in 2016 was American Nationalism. Relying on another country’s exports is counterintuitive to our national pride. In order to give our politicians more leverage in our trade agreements with other nations, we need to be able to manufacture more goods on American soil and rely less on other nations. We can assert our independence by buying products made at home – by buying American Made products.

2

8

MADE HERE 2020 / FALL

3

Sets Up Future Generations for Success. We all want to create sustainable jobs for our children and grandchildren so that they can build a life for themselves and provide for their families. Manufacturing in the USA means guarantees jobs for thousands of people. This happens because the more money that is invested in buying American Made products, the more money will get put back into manufacturing American Made goods. As we create jobs in the manufacturing sector, we push more money back into the economy.

Quality of Goods. “Made in the USA” is synonymous with quality, excellent craftsmanship and a superior product. Continuing to use foreign imports gives no guarantee of quality. While shipments and products can be monitored, there is no true guarantee of the imported goods quality and longevity. While the price of American products will often be higher, the cost per use is actually often lower as the made in USA quality will last far longer than a foreign made alternate.

4

BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

5

American Labor Standards. We’ve all heard of the sweatshops and underpaid and underage labor force in some foreign countries. When products are made in the U.S., federal and local governments can control working conditions and ensure that minimum wages are paid and proper laws are upheld in accordance with United States labor laws. Buying foreign products, in many cases, supports labor force violations against workers abroad. Ensure you are helping your fellow Americans by looking for the “Made in USA” label.

Creates Investment Opportunities for Americans. American manufacturing means investment and finance for the American economy. The more that is pushed into national manufacturing, the more the nation’s economy will reap the benefits. With growth in manufacturing comes a surge in investment opportunities.

Some investment opportunities in America include stocks, emerging technologies and green energy. Another option for foreigners looking for investment opportunities in the USA in 2020 is real estate.

Keep Businesses in the United States. In most cases, once a product has been outsourced to a foreign country, its manufacturing headquarters rarely return to the US. This must be avoided in order to strengthen our economic standing domestically, while eliminating our reliance on foreign goods. There is a tendency among many U.S., Japanese and Western European firms to send both knowledge-based and manufacturing work to thirdparty firms in other nations. Often, the intent is to take advantage of lower wages and operating costs.

6

7

8

Avoid Foreign Political Disputes. Importing goods into the country can produce a whole host of barriers and obstacles, particularly with nations whose diplomatic relationships may be tense.

Manufacturing in the USA means these potential obstacles can simply be removed. During the current administration, the Trump White House has imposed and been on the receiving end of many tariffs, making foreign trade less appealing to American businesses. Trade with China figures to suffer after the coronavirus outbreak.

9

Safer Working Conditions. With the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.

There are controls and regulations in place to minimize accidents, while granting rights to employees.

Helps Reduce the Deficit. The United States has a trade deficit that needs to be addressed and eliminated. Investing in American Made products will boost the American economy which, in turn, will reduce the deficit.

Manufacturing played a leading role in the nation’s economic recovery between February of 2010 and October of 2012, adding 504,000 jobs. Those jobs constituted 11.1 percent of the 4.5 million jobs created in that period.

10

MADEHEREMAG.COM

9

THE COMMON GOOD

AMERICAN BUSINESSES PULL TOGETHER TO HELP CITIZENS THROUGH THE PANDEMIC

General Motors and Ventec will produce 12,000 ventilators per month starting in July.

With the COVID-19 crisis, unprecedented times have called for an unprecedented response from American companies. Not since World War II has there been such need for American industry to combine its efforts for the common good, and countless manufacturers, corporations and firms have stepped up to answer the call.

10

MADE HERE 2020 / FALL

BY ALEX EWALT

COMPANIES HELPING WITH THE COVID-19 RESPONSE Charitable donations

■■ Amazon/Jeff Bezos ■■ Apple ■■ Cisco Systems ■■ Johnson & Johnson ■■ Walmart ■■ PepsiCo

Ventilators ■■ General Motors

■■ Ford Motor Company ■■ Vyaire Medical ■■ Hamilton Medical Inc. ■■ ZOLL Medical

Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago receives a shipment of VOCSN critical care ventilators.

■■ ResMed PPE

■■ Honeywell ■■ HanesBrand

An American automotive powerhouse, General Motors, with Ventec Life Systems, a Seattle medical device startup, finalized a contract in late March with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Defense Production Act (DPA) and delivered its first batch of ventilators to Chicago-area hospitals in mid-April. GM and Ventec continued to ramp up production at the GM plant in Kokomo, Indiana, in order to work toward delivering 30,000 of the lifesaving devices by the end of August. GM and Ventec plan to be able to produce 12,000 ventilators per month by July.

“The passion and commitment that people at GM, Ventec and our suppliers have put into this work is inspiring, and we are all humbled to support the heroic efforts of medical professionals in Chicagoland and across the world who are fighting to save lives and turn the tide of the pandemic,” GM CEO Mary Barra said on April 17, according to a GM press release, when the company was working to make its first shipments of over 50 ventilators.

Another giant of the auto industry, Ford Motor Company, with GE Healthcare, joined forces through a contract with HHS to assemble 50,000 ventilators at a Ford facility in Ypsilanti, Michigan, by July 13. The companies set a goal of producing 7,200 of the lifesaving ventilators per week at full production.

Manufacturing PPE Beyond the production of ventilators, which are needed for patients who are in critical condition with COVID-19, a host of large conglomerates have responded to the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) and swabs for testing kits.

Honeywell’s partnership with HHS calls for the increased production of one of the most vital pieces of PPE for frontline workers: N95 masks. The company began production in April at its facilities in Phoenix and Smithfield, Rhode Island, with the target of producing more than 20 million masks total per

month. Both the Phoenix and Smithfield plants, which typically produce eyeprotection products and propulsion engines, respectively, needed overhauls to accommodate production of the masks.

“Building and staffing a facility to begin operations like this would typically take nine months to complete,” Honeywell spokesman Whitney Ellis told MADE HERE. “With the help of employees and partners throughout the U.S., these facilities were up and running in a matter of weeks.”

■■ 3M ■■ Prestige Ameritech ■■ American Giant ■■ Nike ■■ Fanatics ■■ Gap Inc. Swabs

■■ U.S. Cotton ■■ Formlabs ■■ Puritan Medical Products ■■ EnvisionTEC ■■ Resolution Medical ■■ Origin

Testing kits

■■ Quest Diagnostics ■■ LabCorp ■■ Abbott ■■ Roche Molecular Systems ■■ Quidel Corporation ■■ Thermo Fisher

Food for frontline workers ■■ Beyond Meat

■■ Dairy Farmers of America ■■ Sweetgreen ■■ DoorDash

Sanitizer Honeywell employees are manufacturing N95 masks for healthcare workers.

■■ Tito’s Handmade Vodka ■■ Anheuser-Busch ■■ ExxonMobil ■■ Xerox

MADEHEREMAG.COM

11

Honeywell also pivoted production at its chemical manufacturing plant in Muskegon, Michigan, to begin producing hand sanitizer, which it is donating to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

In mid-April, U.S. Cotton, working with the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), was tapped by HHS to begin production at its Cleveland facility on specialized swabs for COVID-19 testing kits. The company, a subsidiary of Parkdale Mills and the country’s largest producer of cotton swabs, says its goal is to produce 150 million of the new, synthetic swabs for testing kits by the end of the year to address a major shortage as nationwide testing increases.

And 3D printing innovator Formlabs intends to boost the supply of swabs for test kits by producing up to 100,000 3D printed swabs per day when it reaches full production capacity at its facility near Toledo, Ohio. The company received approval in early April from the FDA to produce the new design.

Developing Test Kits Perhaps the most important emerging product for the country’s recovery from the pandemic is testing kits. Led

by Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp, the race to develop testing kits for COVID-19 has sparked somewhat of an arms race among biotechnology companies.

J&S Chemical executive Thomas Smith

Weiss Memorial Hospital receives a shipment of VOCSN critical care ventilators.

After the FDA relaxed the approvals process for tests in February, the industry moved quickly to develop both molecular tests and antibody tests. Quest was processing as many as 100,000 molecular tests per day

by June 1, according to the company, and by that time had processed 3.15 million molecular tests and 1.5 million antibody tests. LabCorp received approval in April for an

GEORGIA CHEMICAL MANUFACTURER SHIFTS TO HAND SANITIZER J&S Chemical of Canton, Georgia, is one of the many

CEO of the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance Jason Moss

tion efforts to make hand sanitizer, but bottling and

normal manufacturing routines in order to support front-

distribution would be a challenge for J&S, which gener-

line workers and maintain a robust business. The firm,

ally sells its products in bulk. When Smith called Jason

which generally makes lubricants for the manufacture of

Moss, CEO of the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance, for

automotive parts, recognized the need to switch gears

assistance in finding a partner to help with bottling and

once the demand for its line of products lessened due to

distribution for its sanitizer, Moss connected J&S with

the COVID-19 outbreak.

Joe Paolini, the Director of Business Engagement at the

Smith also recognized the need for more hand sanitizer in his community, a northern suburb of Atlanta.

“We knew that there was a lack of supply [of hand sanitizer], and we wanted to help out the community

12

MADE HERE 2020 / FALL

Smith’s company could fairly easily change its produc-

companies that has used ingenuity to pivot from its

J&S Director of Global Sales and Marketing Thomas

Joe Paolini, Bobby Dodd Institute

at-home test available for frontline workers, consisting of a nasal swab, and the company is pushing for more availability for order by consumers.

As for antibody tests, for those who may have already had the virus, LabCorp claimed it was performing up to 200,000 per day by the end of May and claimed 2.6 million total molecular tests performed by that time.

nonprofit Bobby Dodd Institute, based in Atlanta.

Bobby Dodd Institute’s mission is to help provide job opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged adults, and one of the services it offers is bottling and labeling, a perfect match for Smith’s needs. Working together,

and support the frontline people who are dramatically

J&S and Bobby Dodd Institute were able to begin provid-

involved in this hour by hour, to keep them protected and

ing hundreds of gallons of hand sanitizer while providing

keep them safe,” Smith said.

work opportunities to adults who need them most.

Feeding Those in Need In a time of uncertainty for food producers and grocery chains, many have stepped up to provide assistance to frontline workers and first responders during the pandemic.

Beyond Meat, a plant-based meat alternative manufacturer based in California, pledged in April to donate 1 million meals and Beyond Burgers to workers fighting the pandemic as part of its Feed a Million+ initiative.

Club chain Costco instituted policies in April to assist frontline workers, including the ability to bypass lines to get priority access. In May, Kroger announced its plans to begin providing free covid-19 tests to frontline workers with self-administered tests as well drive-through testing at an increasing number of locations throughout the country.

ABOVE: American Giant employees sewed protective masks for health care workers.

LEFT: Honeywell masks on the production line.

BELOW: A GM employee assembles ventilator parts.

Shifting Business Strategies From sports apparel to PPE and from spirits to hand sanitizer, the COVID-19 pandemic has inspired many companies to make unlikely shifts in production in order to help.

Clothing and apparel companies such as HanesBrand, American Giant, Fanatics and many others pivoted from their normal operations to efforts to produce PPE, including masks, gowns and other protective items. American Giant began making medical-grade masks in mid-March in partnership with HHS, converting its North Carolina factory to have the ability to make about 50,000 masks weekly by May, according to the company, with efforts ramping up from there. “At a time like this, people don’t need sweatshirts. They need

as much PPE as possible and quickly,” American Giant spokeswoman Suzanne Sterns told MADE HERE. HanesBrand is another industry leader that has moved to making cloth masks, with a goal of eventually producing 320 million at 40 million per week when production reaches peak capacity.

And Fanatics, the apparel company that produces both player-worn Major League Baseball jerseys and official gear for fans, stopped production on those lines in its Pennsylvania factory in late March in order to change over to making masks and gowns for medical personnel, using the same material as that of the official jerseys. The company teamed up with Major League Baseball on the production and distribution of the items, which initially were being sent to Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.

When the pandemic worsened in March, hand sanitizer was one of the first products to experience a major shortage. But the spirits industry has stepped in to help, with scores of American-based distilleries boosting the supply.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka, which is based and bottled in Austin, Texas, and recently became the best-selling liquor in the U.S., in March made an initial commitment to make 24 tons of sanitizer to be distributed nationwide, but the company said that by late May it had produced and distributed over 325 total tons of sanitizer to 25 U.S. states.

While Tito’s was one of the first prominent distillers to announce an effort to produce hand sanitizer, hundreds of other U.S.-based distillers have jumped in. The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States is keeping a running list of producers on its website that are working to donate hand sanitizer.

MADEHEREMAG.COM

13

Q&A WITH WEATHERTECH CEO

DAVID MACNEIL

“It’s our responsibility as business owners and citizens to do what we can to help our country recover.”

By opening new facilities, developing new and innovative products, and creating jobs for Americans from every walk of life, WeatherTech and Founder David MacNeil are dedicated to investing in American manufacturing and the American economy.

14

MADE HERE 2020 / FALL

MacNeil started WeatherTech out of his home in Clarendon Hills, Illinois, in 1989. Dissatisfied with the quality of existing automotive floor mats, MacNeil initially imported the mats directly from England. However, MacNeil was convinced that he could create a better product right here in America, using American workers. So, in 2007 he made the decision to move production of his entire line of automotive accessories to America, opening facilities within the suburbs of Chicago.

BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

Why was it so important to create products right here in America?

“I’ve always been passionate about supporting the American economy and preserving our industrial infrastructure. My philosophy is that if my neighbor doesn’t have a job, sooner or later I probably won’t have a job either. Additionally, by creating our products here in the U.S., I have better line of sight to other initiatives that are just as important to me as job creation — human and animal rights, safe workplace practices, environmental responsibility and more. When we rely on products from abroad, there’s often a loss of visibility to and influence over such critical issues and standards.”

Leaders of companies often say it’s less expensive to produce their products in other countries. What are some of the benefits of creating products in America?

“It is time for buyers at major retail chains to focus on more than just price, price, price. What about quality, customer service and speed to market?

One of the many advantages of having our manufacturing facilities in Boling-

brook, Ill., is that we can meet customer orders quickly. Need thousands of FloorLiners in 48 hours? No problem.

WeatherTech can respond with agility unlike those based overseas. You cannot get that kind of service from a manufacturer that’s located 7,000 miles away.”

What does it mean to you when you hear “MADE HERE”?

“Consumers have become increasingly conditioned to interrogate the ingredients in their foods or question the sustainability practices of the companies from which they buy, yet too few pause to look at where products are made. At WeatherTech, we design, engineer and manufacture right here in America. When you buy something that’s ‘Made in America,’ it’s an indicator of quality — from using the best materials, to leveraging leading edge technologies and innovations, to hiring skilled and educated workers. Furthermore, American Made goods and services directly support the U.S. economy and, in turn, our broader family of 330 million Americans.”

As we start to come out of the pandemic, how important will it be for

companies to hire American workers and create products in the United States?

“Now more than ever, we need to support each other in getting our economy up and running again.

Leadership out of this unprecedented crisis extends beyond the political system alone. It’s our responsibility as business owners and citizens to do what we can to help our country recover.

Importing products from overseas is counter-productive to that effort and directly impacts employment at home.

When you buy from WeatherTech, you’re buying into an entire system that supports not just us but other partners in our network — local businesses from which we source U.S.-made materials or to whom we supply products for resale. Like us, these businesses are responsible for significant job creation and help fuel the American economy.

As unemployment figures rise at a rapid pace, the unfortunate and unnecessary exportation of American jobs is a trend that needs to come to an end.

That’s even more true now than it was 30 years ago when WeatherTech was founded.”

WEATHERTECH PRODUCTS FloorLiner

■■ Laser Measured for a Perfect Fit ■■ Most advanced concept in custom-fit floor protection ■■ Lines the front, back and sides of vehicle’s footwell ■■ For Cars, SUVs and Minivans ■■ Features a raised lip to keep spills and debris contained ■■ Custom-fit design

CupFone XL

■■ The CupFone for XL sized phones with thicker cases ■■ CupFone XL has all the same features as the regular CupFone except this one is for XL phones with thick cases ■■ Base allows phone to rotate 360°, adjustable for viewing from any position ■■ Phone holder tilts with full range of motion to allow proper angle of microphone and speakers. Knob tightens easily and securely locks position ■■ Open access design lets you easily charge your phone while in the holder

DeskFone

■■ Universal desktop cell phone holder ■■ Great for work or home ■■ Supports a wide range of mobile devices ■■ Tripod base design provides a stable foundation for your phone, so there’s no wobbling or tipping over ■■ Phone holder tilts with full range of motion, so you can see your screen from any angle ■■ Holds your phone up and keeps it visible, so it won’t get lost on your desk ■■ Open access design lets you easily charge your phone while in the holder

MADEHEREMAG.COM

15

HOMEGROWN BUSINESSES

20 BRANDS MADE IN AMERICA We hear more and more about the global economy, but that approach to commercialism has its downsides as well. It’s becoming more difficult to find products Made in the USA. These 20 products are still Made In America.

1

American Plastic Toys.

Manufacturing products in the United States for more than 55 years, American Plastic Toys has resisted outsourcing its production to China, where most of toys sold in America are made. The company employs 300 workers at five facilities in Michigan and Mississippi.

Aquasana Water Filters.

Aquasana creates water filters to reduce contaminants in tap water while leaving behind helpful minerals such as magnesium and calcium. The company behind Aquasana, Sun Water Systems, has based all its manufacturing in Texas, meaning high-end filtration systems.

Benjamin Moore Paint. Founded in Brooklyn by an Irish immigrant in 1883, Benjamin Moore now operates in eight locations throughout New Jersey that collectively make more than 3,500 paint colors. Owned

by Berkshire Hathaway, Benjamin Moore’s products are noted for their high quality.

Burt’s Bees Personal Care Products.

Burt’s Bees sells about 200 skin- and hair-care products with an environmentally friendly approach from its headquarters in North Carolina. Now owned by Clorox, Burt’s Bees still makes lip balms and ointments with minimal processing or additives.

Channellock. Founded in 1886 and based in Meadville, Pennsylvania, Channellock is a leading maker of must-have pliers and other hand tools for professionals and DIYers. It employs more than 300 people.

It recently wrapped up a $10 million expansion of warehouse and production capacity.

2

3

4

5

16

MADE HERE 2020 / FALL

6

Cutco Knives. Founded in 1949, Cutco employs more than 600 workers at its factory and headquarters in Olean, New York. The largest maker of kitchen knives in the United States and Canada, Cutco’s products come with a “Forever Guarantee” promising customer satisfaction and lifetime sharpening.

Fleabags. Fleabags are American Made canvas and leather bags designed to withstand even the most productive trip to the flea market. The brand was founded in New York in 2009 and already includes a wide assortment of unique bags, totes, and clutches.

Gorilla Glue. The Gorilla Glue Co. is a family-owned adhesive maker whose heavy duty products — most notably its namesake Gorilla Glue — supply thousands of DIYers and woodworkers each year. Its glues, tapes, epoxies, and even skin-care products are made in America at its headquarters in Cincinnati.

Hallmark Greeting Cards.

Hallmark makes almost all its U.S.-sold greeting cards and gift-wrap products at manufacturing centers in Kansas, Missouri, Texas, and Illinois, which collectively employ about 1,800 workers. Notable exceptions include any cards with recorded sounds or featuring handiwork such as beads and tassels.

Heritage Bikes. Heritage General Store is the first company to make a completely Chicago-made bike since Schwinn relocated from the city in the ’70s. The store is also a coffeehouse where guests can order an Americano before browsing a selection of vintage handmade bikes and related apparel.

7

8

9

10

BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

11

Herman Miller Furniture. Herman Miller is the brand most representative of a sleek, modernist-style furniture that’s back in vogue. Industrial designs such as the Aeron office chair have become iconic. The brand is based in Zeeland, Michigan, and has kept manufacturing here in the USA. Igloo Coolers. Many of the most-common cooler designs come from Igloo, and all the company’s products come from a 1.4 million-square-foot facility near Houston. The brand has expanded recently to sell more heavy-duty coolers.

KitchenAid Mixers. The KitchenAid mixer has been around in one form or another for more than 100 years now. The mixers are still made at the company’s flagship plant in Greenville, Ohio, even as KitchenAid has come to make many non-American Made appliances, as well.

L.L. Bean Boat & Tote Bags.

L.L. Bean’s line of simple yet effective Boat & Tote bags has been made in Maine from hearty 24-ounce canvas since first introduced in 1944.

The Freeport-based company makes some of its other products abroad, but its online store has a convenient “Made in the USA” category.

New Balance Sneakers. No other brand makes as much athletic footwear in the USA as New Balance. Each year the company makes more than 4 million pairs with at least 70% domestic materials. Look for shoes labeled “Made in USA,” which are often priced higher, but more-durable.

12

13

14

15

16

Pyrex Glassware.

Pyrex was founded in 1915 and sold to Corning in 1998, but the new ownership avoided transferring American manufacturing operations overseas. Although Pyrex’s metal bakeware is now made abroad, the oven-safe lidded glassware is still made at the factory in Charleroi, Pennsylvania.

The Slinky. The Slinky, introduced by naval engineer Richard James in 1945, is one of the most successful toys in history. The company is now owned by the larger toy corporation Alex Brands, but Slinkys are still made at the same facility in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.

Vermont Castings. There’s something rustic and timeless about the Green Mountain State, and the same goes for this line of cast iron wood stoves that bears its name. Since 1979, Vermont Castings has been making energyconserving wood and gas stoves.

Vermont Teddy Bears.

Vermont Teddy Bears makes all its stuffed animals in Vermont. Two factories make nearly a half-million teddy bears each year, making the company one of the largest makers of teddy bears and the largest seller by mail and online orders.

Weber Grills. The rounded shape of the Weber grill, which hasn’t changed since it was first designed in 1952, has helped make it a recognizable fixture at many outdoor cookouts. Although Weber does make gas models overseas, all other Weber grills are made at the company’s headquarters in Palatine, Illinois.

17

18

19

20

MADEHEREMAG.COM

17

A U T O M O T I V E I N N O VAT I O N

A HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN PICKUP TRUCK For more than 100 years, the pickup truck has been an American pop culture icon and a necessity.

1948 2020

18

MADE HERE 2020 / FALL

O

ne of the catalysts behind the pickup truck’s rise in popularity in America is the Ford Motor Company. Ford developed one of the first commercial vehicles with the 1905 Model C delivery car when Americans needed a way to deliver products as the country evolved with new technologies and roads connecting cities.

“With the launch of the Model T in 1908, Ford developed the ultimate utility vehicle that was durable, strong and made to withstand the rigors of the rough terrains of the early days of the automobile,” said Ford Motor Company archivist Ted Ryan. “People needed more hauling capacity to move goods.

So, after a few years of testing, Ford launched the Model TT one-ton chassis for larger jobs in 1917.”

BY ROB TIONGSON

THE EVOLUTION OF FORD PICK-UPS

1918

SOME OF THE MORE POPULAR MODELS IN T H E L A S T C E N T U R Y- P L U S 1918 Ford Model TT As Ted Ryan of Ford Motor

Company pointed out, the 1918 Ford Model TT was built to haul and move goods. With a one-ton chassis, it’s a marvelous vehicle for its time considering how the possibilities of vehicles were endless.

2005

1948 Ford F-1 Pickup

Just 30 years later, Ford evolved

from its Model TT to its F-1 pickup.

With its sweeping nose and the modern pickup truck’s design becoming prevalent with a 145-horsepower engine, it’s evident how Ford emphasized its trucks being built tough.

1977 Ford F-100

Sure, American sports cars had

incredible speed, but the 1977 Ford F-100 was quite the all-utility vehicle.

Beyond its ability to haul heavy loads, this pickup truck could take a load off the consumers’ minds towards destinations like the beach.

1987 Ford F-150

Incredible advancements were

made with Ford’s 1987 F-150, this

1977

1987

time coming with safety in mind.

Ryan points out how this model was the first pickup truck with rearwheel anti-lock brakes. Simply put, Ford was and remains proactive for

When the Ford Model TT was launched, the Model T seemed to be the popular choice with evolving the pickup truck.

“The basic Model T frame and chassis could be used with any body configuration and with its overwhelming popularity, many aftermarket producers developed their own bodies for the Model T,” Ryan said. “It became clear that one of the more popular bodies was the pickup bed for the Model T. So, Ford developed its own factory built pickup body for the Model T car called the Model T Runabout with pickup body.”

As Ford’s pickup truck line evolved, advancements in safety coincided with the evolution of technology, particularly since 1927.

“Ford has always been concerned with safety and that can be seen with the devel-

opment of laminated safety glass in 1927, to the 1950s with the development of the Lifeguard System with safety door latches and seatbelts, to airbags and roll stability control,” Ryan observed. “Other examples include the 1987 F-Series (as) the first pickup with rear-wheel anti-lock brakes; in 1994, driver side airbags were introduced; and in 2000, the Supercrew was added with four full doors, a first in its class.”

Ryan illustrated Ford’s pickup truck commitment to meeting consumer demands in today’s economy.

“With the advancements made over the last decade, people no longer need to compromise when purchasing a truck,” Ryan said. “They can get the capability they need as well as the creature comforts and tech features that used to only be offered in sedans.”

its consumers.

2005 Ford King Ranch F-150 Supercrew

As evident with this beauty from

2005, Ford did their homework with this revamped, grittier F-150. “For the F-Series, we know from our research that people buy a truck because they need a truck for work or recreation,” Ryan said.

2020 Ford F-150 Raptor The latest F-150, particularly

with the Raptor edition, takes the strengths of its successful predecessors with a value in mind. “We stay ahead for our customers with innovations that are core to the ways they use their trucks,” Ryan said.

MADEHEREMAG.COM

19

JOURNEY

VIDEOGAMES

SIX GREAT AMERICAN INDIE GAME DEVELOPERS SHOWCASING THE UNIQUE STYLES, UNFORGETTABLE STORYLINES, AND INNOVATIVE GAMEPLAY OF AMERICAN IMAGINATION

When you think of MADE HERE video games, you typically think of the giants of the industry. Fortnite, Call of Duty, and World of Warcraft all come from AAA game development studios in America. But it isn’t only giant blockbusters produced here. Many of the most successful and critically acclaimed titles have been produced by indie game developers in the US. 20

MADE HERE 2020 / FALL

T H AT G A M E C O M PA N Y

Flow; Flower; Journey Often cited as some of the most beautiful games ever made, Thatgamecompany’s hits like Flower and Journey are as much famous for their screenshots shared on social media as much as their groundbreaking gameplay. Journey, for example, is a single player platforming adventure that features the ability to temporarily link up with other “single players” and cooperate on solving puzzles. The games feature almost zero combat or violence, and are made to complete in just a few hours.

Founded by USC students Jenova Chen and Kellee Santiago, Thatgamecompany features a unique game design credo that influences everything they create.

Each game is designed from the bottom up starting with the feelings they want the player to have, and then create the gameplay experience specifically to produce that. Case in point, Flower features no words or dialogue, and creates its storyline purely from the graphics and motion controls.

BY JOSH MULL

CARDBOARD COMPUTER, LLC

Kentucky Route Zero Described as a “magical realist adventure game,” the point-and-click Kentucky Route Zero was produced in five discrete chapters and released over a period of several years.

Produced by only three people and funded almost entirely through Patreon, the game features a distinct “Southern Gothic” style, and took home several awards, including Rock Paper Shotgun’s Game of the Year and Destructoid’s Best Musical.

Polygon even named it as the fourth best game of the decade.

Players will see instantly why Kentucky Route Zero has captured the hearts of so many critics. The game’s graphic style is surreal and mind-bending, and leaves a lasting impression long after you’ve stopped playing. And that doesn’t even begin to touch on the twisting and turning narrative of the game, with locations and characters that are both ethereal and iconic.

SCOTT GAMES

Five Nights at Freddy’s

Five Nights at Freddy’s barely needs an introduction. The game went from indie sensation to mass media franchise, spawning eight entries in the main series, three spin-offs, soundtracks, novelizations, a film adaptation in the works, and even a theme park attraction at Las Vegas’ famous Adventuredome.

The horror series puts the player in the role of a security guard in a haunted pizza parlor. However, the locations are haunted by the terrifying animatronic animal mascots. Players must complete a series of puzzles and tasks in order to survive the entire night alone. Scott Cawton, the creator and developer of the series, got the idea after his previous family friendly games were criticized for having unintentionally creepy character designs.

EDMUND MCMILLEN

Super Meat Boy; The End is Nigh; The Binding of Isaac Edmund McMillen’s unique art style, reminiscent of 90’s indie comics Squee and Johnny the Homicidal Maniac, has always made for some spectacular game visuals. Having developed over 40 independent games, McMillen first burst onto the mainstream video game scene with the hit Super Meat Boy. Featuring some of the tightest platforming outside of the Super Mario Bros. series (and obvious inspiration), Meat Boy has arguably become the mascot for all indie games.

The Binding of Isaac, along with its prequel entry, The End is Nigh, feature McMillen and his collaborators taking on the roguelike genre, wherein player death is permanent, and the game’s layout changes every time you play. The style may be edgy, but there’s plenty of heart and sweetness to be found in all of McMillen’s titles.

THEKLA, INC.

Braid; The Witness

Thekla’s founder, Jonathan Blow, is one of the most respected yet polarizing figures in video game design. Blow’s games Braid and the Witness have been some of the most critically acclaimed and analyzed games in the modern era. Blow was also featured in the 2012 documentary Indie Game: The Movie.

Braid is famous for using the mechanics of time in gameplay, allowing the player to temporarily freeze the game to complete puzzles and platforming challenges. The follow up to Braid, The Witness, was much more like the classic PC game Myst. A point-and-click puzzle-solving game, The Witness also features a walk-around mode, allowing the player to completely explore the island.

MADEHEREMAG.COM

21

MADE USA IN THE

COOL THINGS PRODUCED IN THE UNITED STATES

22

MADE HERE 2020 / FALL

BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

Forney Industries 220 ST PRO

HEADQUARTERS IN FORT COLLINS, COLORADO

Forney Industries recently launched three welding machines and one plasma cutter. The Forney 220 ST PRO is among them, offering DC TIG and Stick capabilities, dual input power of 120V/230V, and can weld ½” thick material. The printed circuit board and its assembly are completed in P.R.C., but technicians at Forney assemble the rest of the machine with sheet metal, aluminum die cast parts, aluminum extrusion handles and knobs—all of which are made in America and locally manufactured in Fort Collins, CO. Forney believes in the value of supplying jobs in the U.S.A, while providing exceptional value to their customers.

FORNEYIND.COM

Big League Chew BUBBLE GUM

A K R O N , N E W YO R K

Sitting in a bullpen in the summer of 1977, Portland Maverick lefthander Rob Nelson came up with an idea that has had a lasting impact on the game of baseball: shredded bubble gum in a stay-fresh pouch. Celebrating 40 years of bubble gum fun for everyone, Big League Chew has sold more than 900 million pouches and is designated as the “Hall of Fame Bubble Gum” by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Today, it is manufactured in Akron, New York, only a couple of hours away from Cooperstown. Engage with Big League Chew on social media: Instagram @BigLeagueChewGum, and Facebook and Twitter @BigLeagueChew. For a list of retailers and online purchasing opportunities, visit their website.

BIGLEAGUECHEW.COM

MADEHEREMAG.COM

23

MOTIV

BOWLING BALL

MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN

MOTIV has produced some of the greatest solid reactive bowling balls in the world. They create aggressive traction in oil, yet retain energy for explosive continuation down lane – and that’s not easy to do. Those impressive characteristics have been refined and tuned for medium oil to deliver the solid Ripcord™ Flight. The sky blue Ripcord Flight is an outstanding benchmark ball for bowlers of all styles. It perfectly balances the characteristics of a solid cover while also providing more shape down lane. This must-own piece is proudly made in the USA. Visit their website to find your local pro shop carrying Motiv products.

MOTIVBOWLING.COM

Martin Guitar

MODERN DELUXE GUITAR N A Z A R E T H , P E N N S Y LV A N I A

The OM-28E Modern Deluxe is packed with vintage appointments, custom features, and modern technology. A Sitka spruce Vintage Tone System (VTS) top, dovetail neck joint, and natural protein glue construction deliver the rich, fully-aged Martin tone that has inspired generations. European flamed maple binding, stylish gold frets, gold open-gear tuners, and a unique 1930s-style script logo inlaid in pearl on the headstock give it a look to match its sound.

The OM-28E Modern Deluxe comes with a ply hardshell case and is strung with Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 light gauge strings.

M A R T I N G U I TA R . C O M

24

MADE HERE 2020 / FALL

KitchenAid

ARTISAN SERIES STAND MIXER GREENVILLE, OHIO

The KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer features 10 speeds to thoroughly mix, knead and whip ingredients quickly and easily, and is available in a variety of colors to perfectly match your kitchen design or personality. For even more versatility, use the power hub to turn your stand mixer into a complete culinary center with over 10 optional hub powered attachments, from food grinders to pasta makers and more. This product and other KitchenAid products are proudly made in the USA. KITCHENAID.COM

Herman Miller

EAMES LOUNGER CHAIR & OTTOMAN HEADQUARTERS IN ZEELAND, MICHIGAN

Famously described as “a special refuge from the strains of modern living,” the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is one of the most iconic designs of the 20th century. American made from start to finish, Charles and Ray Eames’ modern take on a 19th century club chair was originally inspired by a “wellused first baseman’s mitt,” but its unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail has made it a fixture in homes across the world for decades.

STORE.HERMANMILLER.COM

MADEHEREMAG.COM

25

Sheila Duncan, Creator TROUBLE THE DOG

MARBLEHEAD, MASSACHUSETTS

Sheila Duncan and her niece came up with the idea for Trouble the Dog in 2006 as a way to comfort children with cancer. Duncan, a Marblehead, Mass., resident more recently sent Trouble the Dog stuffed animals to children feeling sad as a result of the pandemic. Trouble the Dog retails at $39.99 and is Made and Manufactured in the USA. Made Here recently connected with Duncan for a Q&A. How did the idea for Trouble the Dog come about?

“My niece was here one night in 2006.

By that time, she had lost her grandmother, her dad and also the family dog, Irish, a golden retriever. She was only 12. She was sitting on the floor with a piece of paper on the coffee table.

I had the TV on, and a show came on where everyone was sick from cancer.

She said, ‘I have to help those kids.’

Instantly, she drew a little dog.”

How did it turn into a prominent American business?

“A neighbor of mine introduced me to a toy manufacturer. We had 1,500 orders from overseas in the first year. The stuffed animals came in from China because that was the connection from my neighbor. I tried another manufacturer overseas, but I couldn’t communicate with them. That’s when I decided it was really time to have Trouble be made in this country. I cannot begin to tell you how tough it was. I connected with American Bear Factory in Arizona, and there’s a wonderful trust factor. It’s a product with distinct characteristics and intricate sewing. The beauty of this product is it’s handcrafted.”

TROUBLETHEDOG.COM

26

MADE HERE 2020 / FALL

Airstream

AIRSTREAM BAMBI JACKSON CENTER, OHIO

‘Bambi’ has been a nickname for Airstream travel trailers for decades and earned that moniker on the famous Cape Town to Cairo Airstream caravan trip through Africa, led by Airstream founder Wally Byam.

Since then, Airstream has given the ‘Bambi’ nickname to all single-axle travel trailers to denote their light, nimble size and their highly durable quality. Now, the brand is officially giving the Bambi name its own line of travel trailers. This travel trailer is an approachable way for novices to start their adventures and start living the Airstream life.

The Bambi line represents some of Airstream’s smallest, easy-to-tow travel trailers and are available in 16’, 19’, 20’, and 22’ floor plans. Similar to the Basecamp and Nest, each new model can be towed by a wide range of crossovers, trucks, and SUV’s, which make them more accessible to novice campers and younger buyers.

Bambi comes in four floor plans with two new décor options. The Bambi interior centers on bright neutral tones that allow light to bounce around the trailer.

Bambi, which starts at $48,900, is now available to purchase at Airstream dealerships across the country. For more information or to learn about other products in Airstream’s lineup, please visit their website.

AIRSTREAM.COM

Channellock

STRAIGHT JAW TONGUE & GROOVE PLIERS M E A D V I L L E , P E N N S Y LV A N I A

Channellock 440 12” Straight Jaw Tongue & Groove Pliers are the tool every home and garage needs. They’re built to last with a PermaLock fastener to eliminate nut/bolt failure, reinforcing edge to minimize stress breakage, and laser heat-treated teeth to provide a longer-lasting grip. These versatile pliers, made from high carbon U.S. steel, are durable enough to pass down to your kids. Channellock is proudly run by 5th generation family members in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Available at Walmart, Lowe’s, Amazon and many more retailers.

CHANNELLOCK.COM

MADEHEREMAG.COM

27

Q&A

WITH JOE PHILLIPS

YO D E R S M O K E R S

Vice President and Co-Founder WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CREATE PRODUCTS HERE IN AMERICA? It has everything to do with creating communities and providing sustainable incomes for American families. Building products in our factories with our

Yoder Smokers BARBECUE PITS HUTCHINSON, KANSAS

Yoder Smokers are not the typical barbecue pit you buy down at the local department store. These pits are designed for use at the biggest BBQ competitions, and in your own backyard where the competition can be just as stiff. Yoder constructs its line of competition-grade smoker pits to last a lifetime. In fact, that’s how long they guarantee them against burnout. Their pits have so much steel in them that even the smallest pit weighs in at 255 pounds… and the biggest pits weigh well over 1,200 pounds, before they even add a trailer to the weight. So, when your neighbor’s shiny polished-steel grill has burnt through and is headed for the dump, you’ll still be smoking away.

YO D E R S M O K E R S . C O M

workers creates products that our consumers and staff can stay connected to.

It allows our products to evolve based on customer feedback and input from our staff. The care and ingenuity just can’t be equaled by moving to manufacture overseas. Our team is very proud to provide products and support from our headquarters in Kansas.

LEADERS IN BUSINESS OFTEN SAY IT’S LESS EXPENSIVE TO PRODUCE PRODUCTS IN OTHER COUNTRIES. WHAT ARE SOME BENEFITS OF PRODUCING PRODUCTS HERE? Creating a premium product in our space takes skill and cultivation. This needs to happen through relationships and mentoring to empower our team.

Building pride through craftsmanship and service is the backbone of how we built our company. Scalability and longevity happen through good products that meet the need of a customer, followed by a strong foundation of staff that can hand the torch to the next generation. The generational thought is rooted in our handmade products and our team members. This commitment defines our core values. We couldn’t be who we are if we imported our goods.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO HEAR “AMERICAN MADE”?

Sustainability, community, quality, ingenuity, history and pride. We design and build all of our products in the USA. It creates a bespoke style product that people can add to their family and social activities. We are honored to have a place in the backyards of America.

HOW IMPORTANT WILL IT BE TO OUR ECONOMIC RECOVERY TO HIRE AMERICAN WORKERS AND CREATE PRODUCTS IN THE US? Hiring and training people to create a sustainable skillset, building American products will create the opportunity for true independence. It creates economies that can scale and a future for generations to come. If we tend our gardens, with care, they will grow. This takes hard work, patience, and dedication, but hiring and training staff creates purpose and drive for the next round of entrepreneurs.

28

MADE HERE 2020 / FALL

Case Knives

TRU-SHARP KNIVES B R A D F O R D , P E N N S Y LV A N I A

The Patriotic Kirinite Trapper features a highly durable Kirinite acrylic grip draped in America’s own red, white and blue colors with Case’s own Tru-Sharp surgical steel Clip and Spey blades that can conquer almost any task. The knife is crafted at Case’s only factory in Bradford, Pennsylvania, and has a retail price of $74.99. Visit CaseKnives.com for this and hundreds of other unique Case knives, each made with popular handle materials in a wide variety of colors and hard-working steel blades, all covered by a limited lifetime warranty.

CASEKNIVES.COM

Benjamin Moore

AURA INTERIOR PAINT

H EADQUARTE RS I N MONT VALE , N EW J E RS E Y

The ultimate in performance and color vitality, Benjamin Moore Aura Interior delivers remarkable durability and offers the most advanced way to bring color to life.

Engineered with patented Gennex Color Technology and available in four premium finishes: Matte, Eggshell, Satin and Semi-Gloss and thousands of colors, Aura Interior was engineered to deliver extreme hide for fewer coats and unsurpassed surface smoothness. Benjamin Moore Aura Interior is available exclusively at Benjamin Moore retailers across the United States. To locate a retailer near you, visit their website.

BENJAMINMOORE.COM

MADEHEREMAG.COM

29

AMERICAN HISTORY

AMERICA’S OLDEST COMPANIES

MANUFACTURERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

U

nited States businesses have always been eager to help Americans in a crisis situation. Whether it is a natural disaster, financial catastrophe, military conflict or health emergency, American companies lend expertise by providing products and services to help its fellow citizens and customers manage whatever the world throws their way.

During World War II, the U.S. military was searching for a waterproof tape, so it called on Johnson and Johnson, whose engineers reworked the company’s adhesives to create duct tape to repair boots, tents and Jeeps. The manufacturers of those same Jeeps and the domestic automobile/ transportation industries shut down their production lines to build tanks and fighter planes for the war effort.

Now, 80 years later, the same companies, along with emerging technologies, are at war with an enemy unseen to the human eye as the world fights a global pandemic in COVID-19.

The coronavirus outbreak of 2020 overtook the U.S. quickly, shutting down the economy when the entire country went into quarantine to slow the virus’ spread. Meanwhile, hospitals were overrun by infected patients in overcrowded facilities where there was a shortage of face masks, test kits and ventilators.

In the American spirit, the U.S. private sector again answered the call to assist the Republic, this time, in its battle with COVID-19 and the multitude of social, financial and health issues associated with the pandemic.

Fiat Chrysler American, the manufacturer of today’s Jeep, and the other two U.S. automobile makers, Ford and General Motors, put aside building cars and trucks this spring during the global virus outbreak to produce much-needed ventilators, face shields, masks and respirators to stock hospitals from New York City to California.

Just as the Allies defeated Hitler and helped save Europe in amour and planes made by the automotive and transportation industry, the Big Three of Detroit have been on the forefront of another American crisis. Nearly every other sector of the Fortune 500 economy contributed resources, ideas and raw materials to stop the spread of the coronavirus, as well.

Matthew Debord, a senior correspondent for Business Insider, reported in April, just two weeks after the economy was

B-17 Flying Fortresses being manufactured during WWII

Historic American Companies

SIX BUSINESSES THAT HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR CENTURIES

1

HARTFORD COURANT. The newspaper originally known as The Connecticut Courant is older than the United States itself. New

Haven printer Thomas Green began publishing the

30

2

PFALTZGRAFF. The company was founded in 1811 by the Pfaltzgraff’s, who settled in York County, Pa., from their native country

of Germany. The family of potters established a

3

JP MORGAN CHASE. The largest bank in America was founded by Aaron Burr, the third vice president of the U.S. and

Revolutionary War hero, in New York City in 1799.

paper on Oct. 29, 1764 out of tavern in Hartford.

kiln there and passed the trade down to genera-

The early origin of the bank provided nearly all of

It remains the country’s oldest newspaper in

tions of kin. Patriarch Johann George Pfaltzgraff

the $15 million it took to construct the Brooklyn

continuous publication. The first edition of the

understood the needs of the rural Pennsylvanian

Bridge and was a part of the largest real estate

weekly paper consisted of just four pages. George

and created pitchers, plates, mugs, crocks, jugs and

transaction at the time between the U.S. and

Washington placed an ad in the paper to lease a

jars from the locally abundant red clay. The brand is

the Panama Canal Co. in 1904. The bank also

portion of Mount Vernon.

still sold at department stores today.

introduced the first ATM in 1969.

MADE HERE 2020 / FALL

BY DEREK SMITH

KEEPING THE ECONOMY MOVING

regulations, but a couple of weeks ago

and manufacturing prowess to produce

when we saw that the Purell shortage

more than 20 million medical gowns, the

the iconic duck boots and totes, stitched

was going on, we thought about it and

company said on its website.

as many as 10,000 Bean dog bed liners a

L.L. Bean employees, who typically sew

During this COVID-19 scare, hand

were like, ‘Wait a minute, we make high-

sanitizer and masks became a valuable

proof alcohol. We could do this,’” Robin

services and ramped up existing ones to

commodity to stave off the virus.

Christenson, distillery co-owner, told the

better serve current and future custom-

L.A. Times in March.

ers, including new surface sanitizer spray

we have the best stitchery, cutters and

Blinking Owl Distillery, producers of 1,000 bottles a week of gin and vodka

Because of all the hand-washing and

Cintas added new products and

day into medical masks, the Sun Journal of Lewiston, Maine, reported in March.

“A number of our employees said, ‘Hey,

services that help reduce the presence of

sewers,’” CEO Stephen Smith told CNBC,

in Santa Ana, Calif., recalled a few fur-

sanitizing, Glossier launched a hand

infectious pathogens on applied surfaces,

for the article. “‘We make the best boots

loughed bartenders and began turning

cream to sooth hands from frequent

hand sanitizers with touchless dispensers

in the world. We can make masks, gowns

distilled spirits into germ-killing sanitizer.

washing, CNBC reported in May.

and protective face masks and shields,

and booties as well,’ and they immedi-

Cintas said on its website.

ately started experimenting.”

“It’s an entirely different business and

Hanes Brands used its apparel design

shut down, “So while ventilators aren’t cars, manufacturing is manufacturing, and the managers and engineers who can do it at an industrial level are predisposed to work together.

That’s why they all could come up with plans in a matter of weeks. The best day-to-day problem-solvers in the industry work for car companies. Running a car company is an intricate undertaking. It demands a staggeringly high level of operational expertise.”

Mark Wilson, an author and professor of history at UNCCharlotte, said, “One thing I think some people are saying is, ‘Oh, in World War II, we just flipped the switch, and we had GM and Ford make all the stuff we needed, converting their auto plants to make tanks and machine guns. In previous war mobilizations it took weeks, multiple months to get stuff done.”

Within two months of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the last civilian cars rolled off the assembly lines, and auto plants were frantically converting to military-only production of arms, munitions, trucks, tanks and planes. By Dec. of 1942, Detroit had become the “Arsenal of Democracy” and didn’t re-

4

BROOKS BROTHERS. The oldest men’s clothier in American was founded in 1818 in Manhattan, the

first tailors of a man’s suit and outfitter to

5

sume civilian production of automobiles until the war ended in 1945, Jessi Snyder noted, in an article at AutoNews.com.

The U.S. auto industry produced 20% of the total U.S. output of the material manufactured to fight World War II. While the auto companies were the logical manufacturers of trucks, armored cars, jeeps and tanks, the product line was extensive and many of the items built were new to the industry. Both Ford and GM built entire warplanes for the conflict, and many aircraft components were produced by the car industry, said David D. Jackson said, in an overview of the auto industry in World War II. Chevrolet resumed building civilian trucks in Aug. of 1945, just days after the Japanese surrendered to end the war, Snyder said.

The lesson that could apply for then and now, the Harvard Business Review considered, in 2019: “In an era of change, a company survives and thrives based not on its size or performance but on its ability to reposition itself to create a new future. Inaction is the riskiest response to the uncertainties of an economic crisis.”

PROCTER & GAMBLE. The Cincinnati, Ohio, based company was started in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble. Both were

apprentices as young boys – Proctor, an Englishman,

6

DUPONT. French émigré Eleuthere Irenee du Pont began making black powder and explosives near Wilmington, Del., in 1801

until the 20th century when he began making other

President Abraham Lincoln. Brooks Brothers

was a candle maker and Gamble, an Irishman, a

chemicals. Du Pont manufactures a wide assortment

still makes some suits, ties and shirts in the

soap maker. They married sisters whose father con-

of industrial chemicals, synthetic fibers, packaging

United States. As recently as 2015, there were

vinced them to go into business together. By 1859,

materials and cosmetic ingredients. The company is

over 200 retail locations in 71 countries. The

Procter and Gamble had earned $1 million in sales.

known for developing Neoprene, Nylon, Teflon, Lycra,

Golden Fleece was adopted as its logo in 1850

P&G makes products for babies, fabrics, families,

Mylar, Kevlar and Dacron polyester. In 2017, Du Pont

and still adorns their polo shirts.

grooming, hair, home, personal health and skin care.

merged with Dow Chemical.

MADEHEREMAG.COM

31

AMERICAN SPORTS

NASCAR: THE QUINTESSENTIAL AMERICAN SPORT As great American pastimes go, it’s virtually impossible to find one more American than NASCAR.

T

he fans who follow the sport certainly know it. The drivers, team owners, track promoters and sponsors know it. Even the sitting president of the United States knows it. As a matter of fact, he even said as much not all that long ago.

Making a visit to Daytona International Speedway in February for the 62nd running of the Daytona 500 – appropriately nicknamed The Great American Race – U.S. President Donald Trump called the 500 “a legendary display of roaring engines, soaring spirits and the American skill, speed and power that we’ve been hearing about for so many years.”

Then, he added: “The tens of thousands of patriots here today have come for the fast cars and the world-class motorsports. But NASCAR fans never forget that no matter who wins the race, what matters most is God, family and country.”

Trump, who took a lap around Daytona’s 2.5mile track in the presidential motorcade and served as the race’s grand marshal, was not the first sitting U.S. president to attend a NASCAR event at the World Center of Racing. Ronald

Reagan did it in July 1984, and George W. Bush made a stop at the 2004 Daytona 500.

Trump referred to the pursuit of a Daytona 500 victory as 40 drivers’ “play for pure American glory.”

While most NASCAR fans are proud to wear the colors of their favorite driver, those same fans oftentimes possess an even deeper loyalty to the “Red, White and Blue.” And they show it with patriotic T-shirts and bumper stickers and, of course, by displaying the American flag – a frequently seen symbol at most NASCAR events.

But what is it exactly that makes NASCAR the quintessential American sport? It really depends on whom you ask.

“I feel that what makes NASCAR the ‘American sport’ is what you see from the pre-race ceremonies to the fall of the checkered flag,” said Matt Beamer, a 34-year-old longtime NASCAR fan who lives in Summerville, South Carolina.

“The invocation, national anthem, the flyover, then the command to start the engines, you mix all of that together and every drop of that is pure America. No other sport can match that, in my opinion.”

Great American Traditions

THE PATRIOTIC CUSTOMS OF NASCAR AND ITS FANS

1

AMERICAN MADE CARS. Nothing about NASCAR is more synonymous with the American way of life than the cars themselves.

Built to resemble the vehicles motorists drive every day,

32

2

PRE-RACE CEREMONIES. Want to know how deep patriotism and loyalty to country run in NASCAR? Just

watch the pre-race ceremonies on any given

3

MILITARY SUPPORT. As great as waving an American flag or singing along to a patriotic song

might be, some drivers take their support

NASCAR stock cars look more like street cars than

weekend. Regardless of the race track or the

of their country – and, in particular, the U.S.

the vehicles used in any other genre of motorsports.

date on the calendar, there’s never a dearth of

military – to a whole other level. One of those

Appropriately, all three of the vehicles involved in

pre-race tributes to the United States armed

drivers is Keselowski, whose Checkered

NASCAR Cup Series racing — Ford Mustang, Toyota

forces – whether they be in the form of a

Flag Foundation has been known to raise

Camry and Chevrolet Camaro — are manufactured

military flyover, patriotic songs or a military

upward of $450,000 in a single year to support

in the United States.

formation on pit road.

veterans and first responders.

MADE HERE 2020 / FALL

BY JARED TURNER / PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

4

PATRIOTIC PAINT SCHEMES. Whether for the annual race held during July 4 week or the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor

Speedway every Memorial Day weekend, patriotic

5

ROBUST TAILGATES. It’s hard to find something much more American than a group of people standing around the bed of a

pickup truck throwing back cold beverages, listening

6

FLAG-WAVERS. Fans aren’t the only ones who tend to wave and proudly display American flags at various points during

a NASCAR weekend. Drivers have been known

paint schemes are a familiar sight when America’s

to country music and playing cornhole while they

to do the same thing. The driver perhaps most

two most patriotic holidays are nearby on the

wait for a sporting event to officially get underway.

commonly associated with patriotic displays

calendar. These special car designs have historically

This happens every weekend at NASCAR races,

is 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion Brad

been a major hit with fans, who tend to buy the

where fans congregate both inside and outside of

Keselowski, who likes to hoist an American flag

corresponding apparel and, especially, die-cast cars

the track for tailgating experiences typically of the

out of his window as part of any post-race victory

in vast quantities.

more robust variety.

celebration.

MADEHEREMAG.COM

33

AMERICAN SPORTS

PRESIDENT TRUMP VISITS THE DAYTONA 500

•• Top: President Donald Trump signs Hailee Deegan’s race helmet.

•• Bottom left: President Trump acknowledges NASCAR legend Richard Petty.

•• Middle right: President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at Daytona.

•• Bottom right: Air Force One arrives at Daytona.

34

MADE HERE 2020 / FALL

BY WRITERSNAME / PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

Experience the

FLAVORS OF THE SOUTH. At Dixie Vodka, we’ve searched high and low to uncover the best flavors of the South to infuse into our lineup of vodkas. On our journey to become one of the fastest-growing spirits brands in the U.S.*, we’ve paired up with local farmers, from bee keepers in Savannah to an orange grove in Florida, to infuse regional flavors with the South’s Best Tasting Vodka. So raise a glass of Dixie Vodka to celebrate and enjoy the many different flavors of the South that unite us and remind us about what it means to be Made in America, Raised in the South. *Growth Brands Award 2019, 2020

100% GENUINE USA NASCAR SALUTES its storied Dog Chews Throughout history, NASCAR has AMERICAN SPORTS

• Made in Chicago from USA beef hide • Tougher and thicker • Never contain dangerous chemicals, bacteria, shards or scraps • Dogs love ’em!

expressed its respect, appreciation and reverence for those who have served this country both past and present.

RICHARD PET T Y

Seven-time Cup Series Champion

“To see what these guys in the service have to go through, it gives you a different perspective when you see them, talk to them and thank them for being able to do what we want to do,” Petty told USA Today about his 1971 Christmas trip to Vietnam.

KE VIN HARVICK

2014 Cup Series Champion

“I’m always at a loss for how to express my utmost gratitude to the men and women who serve our country. I know the entire NASCAR community is behind me when I say I can’t thank these individuals enough for their dedication and service,” Harvick said at Fort Bragg in 2013.

C A L E YA R B O R O U G H

Three-Time Cup Series Champion

“I won more races, more money than anyone that year. Most of the guys over there (Vietnam) were young, they had a car back home, they had racing magazines, so I wasn’t a stranger to them. That made me feel good,” Yarborough said in a 1978 issue of Vault Magazine.

DALE EARNHARDT JR.

16-Time Most Popular Driver

“It’s really powerful to me knowing that you are making this commitment to the country. … I can

Go to www.wholesomehide.com for dealers

WA R D B U R T O N

2002 Daytona 500 Winner

“I remember one year when I was with Bill Davis

see you’ve got a great group, and it’s very personal

Racing, our sponsor cleared the hood of the car so we

to me to see it happening from the very beginning,”

could display a big American flag. I thought that was an

Earnhardt Jr. said while visiting the Navy Recruit

incredible way to show love and respect for our country

Training Command Center in August 2008.

to the fans with every lap we completed.”

BY BEN WHITE / PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

AMERICAN SPORTS

HOMETOWN, USA Below is a breakdown of the home states represented by drivers on NASCAR’s top three circuits. Did you know there are three drivers in the National Series who hail from Iowa? Can you name them?

N O R T H C A R O L I N A (11) AUSTIN DILLON: Cup Series RYAN BLANEY: Cup Series TY DILLON: Cup Series

1

WILLIAM BYRON: Cup Series COREY LAJOIE: Cup Series JOHN H. NEMECHEK: Cup Series JESSE LITTLE: Xfinity Series

3

HARRISON BURTON: Xfinity Series AUSTIN CINDRIC: Xfinity Series TODD GILLILAND: Gander Truck Series

KEVIN HARVICK: Cup Series

1 3

MATT DIBENEDETTO: Cup Series COLE CUSTER: Cup Series

3

1

1

11

1 2 1

KYLE LARSON: Cup Series

1

1 1

1

2

3

1

10

TYLER REDDICK: Cup Series

2

3

4

TATE FOGLEMAN: Gander Truck Series C A L I F O R N I A (10 )

1 3

2

4

5

JIMMIE JOHNSON: Cup Series ZANE SMITH: Gander Truck Series

4

MATT CRAFTON: Gander Truck Series TYLER ANKRUM: Gander Truck Series SHELDON CREED: Gander Truck Series TEX AS (5) BRENNAN POOLE: Cup Series CHRIS BUESCHER: Cup Series DAVID STARR: Xfinity Series CORY ROPER: Gander Truck Series

ALEX BOWMAN: Cup Series

TY MAJESKI: Gander Truck Series

BEN RHODES: Gander Truck Series

AUSTIN W. SELF: Gander Truck Series

I N D I A N A ( 3)

DEREK KRAUS: Gander Truck Series

RYAN NEWMAN: Cup Series

M A R Y L A N D (1)

FLORI DA (4)

A L A B A M A (2)

TIMMY HILL: Cup Series

BUBBA WALLACE: Cup Series

M I S S I S S I P P I (1)

ARIC ALMIROLA: Cup Series

CHASE BRISCOE: Xfinity Series

ROSS CHASTAIN: Xfinity Series

JUSTIN HALEY: Xfinity Series

GRANT ENFINGER: Gander Truck Series

RAY BLACK JR.: Xfinity Series

I O W A ( 3)

JOSH WILLIAMS: Xfinity Series

JOEY GASE: Cup Series

C O N N E C T I C U T (2)

G EORG IA (4)

MICHAEL ANNETT: Xfinity Series

RYAN PREECE: Cup Series

CHASE ELLIOTT: Cup Series

BRETT MOFFITT:

N E W M E X I C O (1)

N E W J E R S E Y (2)

TANNER GRAY: Gander Truck Series

RYAN SIEG: Xfinity Series

Gander Truck Series

MARTIN TRUEX JR.: Cup Series

BRANDON JONES: Xfinity Series

JOE GRAF JR.: Xfinity Series

N E W YO R K (1)

M I C H I G A N ( 3)

AUSTIN HILL: Gander Truck Series

BRAD KESELOWSKI: Cup Series

N E VADA (4)

ERIK JONES: Cup Series

S O U T H C A R O L I N A (2)

JOEY LOGANO: Cup Series

JEREMY CLEMENTS: Xfinity Series

RICKY STENHOUSE JR.: Cup Series M I S S O U R I (1) SPENCER BOYD: Gander Truck Series

CHRISTIAN ECKES: Gander Truck Series O K L A H O M A (1) CHRISTOPHER BELL: Cup Series

KURT BUSCH: Cup Series

VINNIE MILLER: Xfinity Series

JORDAN ANDERSON:

KYLE BUSCH: Cup Series

T E N N E S S E E (1)

V I R G I N I A ( 3)

Gander Truck Series

CHAD FINCHUM: Xfinity Series

NOAH GRAGSON: Xfinity Series

DENNY HAMLIN: Cup Series

RILEY HERBST: Xfinity Series

BRANDON BROWN: Xfinity Series

I L L I N O I S (1)

W A S H I N G T O N (1)

A R I Z O N A ( 3)

MATT MILLS: Xfinity Series

K A N S A S (1)

MICHAEL MCDOWELL: Cup Series

W I S C O N S I N ( 3)

CLINT BOWYER: Cup Series

J.J. YELEY: Cup Series

JOHNNY SAUTER: Gander Truck Series

K E N T U C K Y (1)

JUSTIN ALLGAIER: Xfinity Series

ANGELA RUCH: Gander Truck Series W E S T V I R G I N I A (1) CODIE ROHRBAUGH: Gander Truck Series

MADEHEREMAG.COM

37

C O M PA N Y S P O T L I G H T

EN-Y HITCH: NO OTHER HITCH LIKE IT

EN-Y HITCHES

What started as a pet project for the owner of a tree-trimming business has turned into a multi-million dollar business that set the standard for hitches and towing in the United States.

THE BOSS (TORSION-FLEX) GEN-Y’s Boss Adjustable Drop Hitches start at 10,000 lb. towing capacity and go up to 21,000 lb. towing capacity. The Torsion-Flex Drop Hitch is the best hitch for ultimate control and safety while towing any bumper style trailer on the market including pintle style couplings.

■■ Protects cargo from harsh bumps ■■ Increases fuel economy ■■ Up to 90% smoother ride than traditional hard connections ■■ Reduce tire wear on truck and trailer

C

■■ 100% satisfaction guarantee

arl Borkholder was tired of buying hitches for his fleet of vehicles in his tree-trimming business back in 2011. The hitches he bought never seemed to be the right size for the trailers, and he was in a constant cycle of purchasing new ones.

He decided to design a hitch system that was compatible with all trucks and towable units for his former company’s operation. What he ended up creating instead was a new company, Gen-Y Hitch, which manufactures two of the most versatile, fully adjustable hitches on the market.

“Once he started, he thought, ‘Hey, this isn’t on the market currently,’” said Donna Drepin, Marketing Director of Gen-Y Hitch. “It eventually grew into a multi-million dollar company that sets the standard for hitches and towing.”

Borkholder’s first hitch was the Mega-Duty, which offered the strongest adjustable drop hitch in the industry. It can be used in the rise or drop position with trailers of all different sizes and heights.

“This is the only hitch you’ll ever need for any variation of trailer,” Drepin said. “It’s a one-stop shop.”

More recently, Borkholder and the Gen-Y Hitch engineers released The Boss with Torsion-Flex.

This adjustable drop hitch starts at the 10,000 lb. towing capacity and can do the job with rigs up to 21,000 lbs.

PHON E: 574-218-6363

38

MADE HERE 2020 / FALL

The Torsion-Flex Drop Hitch is the best hitch for ultimate control and safety while towing any bumper-style trailer. The hitch also helps improve fuel economy and reduce tire wear.

“It isolates the truck and trailer to remove 90 percent of the inertia while driving down the road,” Drepin said. “We have customers call and say they save three miles to the gallon. They’re saving money and not experiencing a harsher driver experience while towing.”

As Gen-Y continues to expand, the company’s executives will look to form partnerships in the racing industry, as well as with companies that manufacture RVs and fifth-wheel vehicles.

“As NASCAR drivers and crew teams are traveling, we know they put a lot of money into their gear and investments,” Drepin said. “We ensure those investments will make it to the track safely and smoothly.”

With headquarters in Northern Indiana, Gen-Y Hitch products are built in the USA. The employees continue to pride themselves on maintaining a small-town approach to customer service by building quality relationships with their clients.

“We are a smaller company with 15 to 20 employees at our home plant,” Drepin said. “The feedback and reach we get is awesome and overwhelmingly positive.”

EMAIL: SALES@GENYHITCH.COM

FACE BOOK: /GE NYHITCH

MEGA-DUTY C L A S S V 32 K DROP HITCH The GEN-Y 32K Drop Hitch is built to accommodate towing heavy loads, up to 32,000 lbs. The receiver size comes in 2 1⁄2” and 3”. The 2 1⁄2” can be used on any standard 2 1⁄2” ID hitch receiver and the 3” is compatible with all 3” I.D. receivers including the 2017 F-350 Super Duty and Reese Super Titan Hitch.

■■ Includes 2 Hitch Pins, Versa-Ball Mount (2“ & 2 5⁄16“) and Pintle Lock ■■ Drop/Raise Range: 6“ to 12“ ■■ Fabricated with heavy duty steel ■■ Precision milled and drilled ■■ Easy 1-pin adjustment ■■ Call for special colors or custom sizes

TWITTER: @GENYHITCH

BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

PROTECT YOUR RACING INVESTMENTS WITH

THE HIGHEST QUALITY TRUCK HITCHES ON THE MARKET Our TORSION-FLEX Technology gives the user both power and control over adverse road conditions by isolating truck and trailer. It ensures cargo is delivered safely and smooth.

The combination of control, safety and a smoother ride creates the ultimate towing experience to the racetrack.

RACING & MOTORHOME HITCH With a specific flatplate that will slide in on a C-channel on the Super C hitch, this is ideal for towing race haulers or motor homes.

GOOSENECK COUPLERS GEN-Y’s Gooseneck Couplers range in tongue weight and go up to 30,000 LB towing capacity. The Torsion-Flex coupler is the best hitch for ultimate control & performance.

DROP HITCHES Our Boss Adjustable Drop Hitches start at 10,000 LB towing capacity and go up to 21,000 LB towing capacity. The Torsion-Flex Drop Hitch is the best hitch for ultimate control and safety while towing any bumper style trailer on the market including pintle style couplings.

PIN BOXES

The Executive pin boxes are available in 2 different styles. The King Pin allows you to connect to the 5th wheel hitch, while the 5th to Goose conversion style frees up your truck bed

sales@genyhitch.com | (574) 218-6363

www.genyhitch.com

C O M PA N Y S P O T L I G H T

WORKARMOR: THE BEST WORK LOVES IN THE INDUSTRY ™

WorkArmor gloves can be used on any job site or for protection while completing jobs around the house. The gloves protect the hands against all elements with a breathable, washable fabric.

Scot Thomasson, VP of Business Development for WorkArmor’s™ parent company Shadow Works, has spent 25 years in federal law enforcement and understands the value of tough, dependable work gloves.

What separates WorkArmor™ gloves from the competition?

Our SWX™ textile is designed to provide the highest level of protection against slash, stab, cut, puncture and fire. While most competitive products deliver in a single area, our unique multifaceted fabric allows WorkArmor™ gloves to be used regardless of the job. Combining these protective elements with our breathable and washable fabric, you have a glove that delivers for the long haul.

Why aren’t other manufacturers able to produce gloves that can do all of those things?

It all comes down to the textile. WorkArmor’s™ patented SWX™ fabric is constructed from lightweight composite fibers in a double-knit weave, providing superior protection that can’t be duplicated by the competition. In addition, we made a commitment to a USA production model that is contrary to the foreign outsourcing numerous companies have pursued to cut costs.

What is the target market?

Our original Shadow Works gloves were developed for military, law enforcement and first responders to meet the unique demands of their daily jobs. However, we quickly recognized that individuals in all walks of life, manufacturing, mining, construction, building and more, needed the same level of protection for their hands. We developed the WorkArmor™ brand from the same SWX™ fabric to protect the men and women who build America.

How can you be so sure these are the best gloves out there?

First, our material is independently tested in six key areas – Abrasion, Circular Cut, Straight Cut, Tear, Puncture and Flame Resistance – to determine overall safety. Second, we perform our own “torture” tests against the leading gloves in the market to see how they all react to the typical day-in and day-out job stresses. Finally, we field test our gloves with real people on the job to get their feedback

regarding overall performance and durability.

The combination of these elements tells us that our WorkArmor™ gloves are the most comprehensive performance gloves on the market. And to top it off, we received the 2019 National Hardware Show Best New Product Made in the USA Award. I can’t say it enough: It is all about the textile and WorkArmor™ is the only glove with the patented SWX™.

Are there plans to improve the product in any way in 2020?

WorkArmor™ is a relative newcomer to the glove market, but we are always looking at product enhancements. Our first step is to expand the uses of SWX™. For instance, our fabric is currently being used in the construction of riot suits and we have partnered with companies to enhance articles of clothing – hoodies, T-shirts, doublefront pants and arm gauntlets to name a few.

Additionally, we’ve developed a geo-textile for a paving manufacturer. WorkArmor™ is always open to explore new possibilities and uses for our patented SWX™ textile.

SAFETY SAVINGS Most work-related insurance claims are the result of one of three injuries – related to either eyes, ears or hands. By investing in WorkArmor™ gloves, businesses can reduce the risk of filing insurance claims for injuries related to the hands that range from $7,000 to $70,000, depending on the extent of the damage. The cost benefit for manufacturers is significant when you consider the savings related to a reduction in worker’s comp, lost wages and medical bills.

“This is a win-win for everybody,” Thomasson said. “The risk is reduced

W E B : WO R K A R M O R.CO M E M A I L: I N FO@WO R K A R M O R.CO M FAC E BOO K: /N E W M A R K ETA PPA R E L

40

MADE HERE 2020 / FALL

through a pair of gloves.”

BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

W ORK A RMOR BUILT TO LAST

the last gloves you’ll ever need puncture, tear, flame, abrasion, and cutresistant SAVE 10%. USE CODE ‘VETERAN’ A portion of all proceeds go to the Gary Sinise Foundation

learn more at workarmor.com

C O M PA N Y S P O T L I G H T

FAMILY BUSINESS MAKES IMPACT IN DEFENSE INDUSTRY

T

hrough well thought-out equipment upgrade and investment, as well as a sharp focus on the highest level of customer service, FIMS Manufacturing continues to thrive and grow as a thirdgeneration machine shop.

In the 1950s, Italian machinist Mario Facchini settled in the United States with a hope and dream of providing his wife and son a better life. That dream came true in 1962 when his sacrifice and work ethic came to fruition in the form of his own business.

Mario’s son, Sergio, didn’t reap the rewards of his father’s business initially, as he instead chose to serve the country during the Vietnam War. After his tour came to an end, Sergio joined his father’s efforts to build a family business.

In 1988, a third generation of Facchinis, Mike, joined the family empire, and he worked alongside his successors to build the

P H O N E : 2 0 1 - 8 4 5 -7 0 8 8

business to what it is today – a worldwide leader in machine technology.

The origin of the shop’s name tells the whole story — “F” (Facchini, the family name) “I” (Irma, Mike’s grandmother) “M” (Mario, Mike’s grandfather) “S” (Sergio, Mike’s father). FIMS is, in every sense, a family business. In 2016 FIMS acquired its Class 07 FFL in order to expand into the manufacturing of firearms. Hiring several engineers, FIMS is now paving the way to make an impact in the defense industry.

Mike Facchini believes FIMS has a natural partner in NASCAR. “I was and still am a huge Haas customer,” Mike Facchini said. “I’m also friendly with a lot of people at the factory in California and was invited many times over many years to attend NASCAR events with Haas. One day, I was asked if I’d be interested in sponsoring, and the rest is history.”

EMAIL: FIMSMFG@OUTLOOK.COM

SOCIAL: @FIMSFIREARMS

CHeCk out tHe CuStom rifle Builder on our weBSite FIMS IS, In every SenSe, a FaMIly buSIneSS. In 2016 FIMS acquired its Class 07 FFL in order to expand into the manufacturing of firearms.

Hiring several engineers, FIMS is now paving the way to make an impact in the defense industry. vISIt uS onlIne at

FIMSFIrearMS.coM @FimsFirearms

Proud SPonSor of

@Fims_Firearms

#98 Chase Briscoe & Stewart-Haas racing

create

Coldset, Heatset & Digital Commercial Printing Services Flat Fold, Saddle Stitch & Perfect Binding Digial Proofing & 24-Hour Tech Support Design Service Center

promote

Short Run Specialty Items: Brochures, Postcards, Media Kits, Menus, Business Cards, Signage & More Mobile Marketing Services, Campaign Design, Training & Support Digital Publishing

deliver

Full Service Mailing Center NCOA, CASS, List Acquisitions, Matching, Inkjetting & More Customized Targeted Mailing Options Packaging, Shipping & Delivery

402 Mayfield Drive, Monroe, GA 30655 770.267.2596 info@waltonpress.com waltonpress.com

W H AT ’ S T H E D I F F E R E N C E ?

MADE IN AMERICA VS. ASSEMBLED IN AMERICA There is a huge difference between products being “Made in America” and “Assembled in America.” The Federal Trade Commission states “all or virtually all” of an item must be manufactured in America. “Assembled in America” means the product carries a high percentage of imported components but is physically assembled on American soil.

44

MADE IN AMERICA

ASSEMBLED IN AMERICA

Crayola Crayons: Crayola’s entire inventory of art supplies is made at the company’s flagship factory in Easton, Pa., where the extravagant Crayola Experience retail sites are located. Some 13 million crayons are made per day, and the company also sells sets of colored pencils, chalk, Silly Putty eggs and paint.

Gibson Guitar: The iconic maker of guitars is fittingly based in the home of country music in Nashville, Tenn., with additional manufacturing being done in Montana. It was founded in Michigan more than a century ago and is legendary among famous musicians around the world but also to the general consumer.

Stetson Hat: The Texas-based American icon was founded in 1865 and is now the only company to make cowboy hats entirely in the United States and is one of the largest hat makers in the nation. Millions of Stetson hats are made and shipped each year from their nine-acre Philadelphia plant.

Weber Charcoal Grill: Weber’s rounded top design has been a mainstay since 1952. It’s still one of the most popular grills for those who enjoy using charcoal for their barbeques. Weber does make gas models overseas, but charcoal grills are made at the company’s headquarters in Palatine, Ill. Wilson Football: The official supplier of footballs to the National Football League hand produces each football they send to the field in America. More than 4,000 leather footballs are made daily at the company’s facility in Ada, Ohio, which employs 120 people. Wilson footballs also come with a pump and tee.

Arrow Shirts: The company’s 1900s American heritage began with origins in Chicago, Ill., and Troy, New York.

Today, the company continues from those locations with their popular “Arrow USA 1851” line of shirts. Each garment may carry tags of “Arrow USA 1851,” but they are made in Cambodia, China, Bangladesh, Ethiopia or Kenya.

Black & Decker: What began as a small machine shop in Baltimore produced the first portable electric drill in America in 1917. Now owned by Stanley Works, the company still has Baltimore roots and some production facilities in North America, but the vast majority of its manufacturing is conducted in China.

Gerber Baby Food: The household name for baby food flavors goes back generations for millions of Americans. The brand out of Michigan ranks as the world’s largest supplier of baby products. Now owned by the Swiss conglomerate, Nestle, Gerber’s products have been manufactured overseas since merging with the pharmaceutical company, Novartis, in 1994.

Gillette Razors: Formed in 1901, the well-known company is one of the most recognized grooming companies in the world. The Boston, Mass., based company uses the “Made in USA” moniker but also makes its products in several other countries, such as China, Mexico and Brazil.

Samsonite Luggage: Founded in Denver, Colo., in 1910, it is one of the most recognizable travel bag manufacturers in the world.

Headquartered in Massachusetts since 2005, the company’s main hub is now located in Europe where some manufacturing is done. Most is from Asia with 40 percent of inventory coming from India.

MADE HERE 2020 / FALL

BY BEN WHITE

AMERICAN MADE AMERICAN PROMISE

Hi-Point ® Firearms Carbines and Handguns are striker-fired blow back action firearms that are suited for every budget.

With extreme reliability and accuracy they are ready for any situation.

Handguns and Carbines are chambered in popular pistol calibers .380Auto, 9mm, .45Auto, .40S&W and 10mm*.

HI-POINTFIREARMS.COM *10mm only available in the 1095TS carbine

D R AW I N G A L I N E

FIVE FACTS ABOUT PRODUCTS MADE IN AMERICA Supporting the American economy is always a good idea for the people who rely on jobs, products and goods and entertainment.

1

Buying American creates jobs. Shoppers have many different reasons for choosing to buy products made in America. Doing so can help save U.S. jobs, and it also creates a ripple effect that benefits the American economy.

For example, when U.S. factories prosper, they tend to hire American construction companies to expand their buildings, American accountants to handle their money, and American energy suppliers to provide their power.

In addition, buying American can also save the planet, and here’s why: In developing countries, there are often few or no regulations to protect against air and water pollution. Often, those countries do not properly protect the rights of their workers.

Manufacturing makes America go.

The manufacturing sector is still the biggest contributor to the U.S. economy. America’s factories made $5.3 million worth of goods last year.

That’s nearly 1/3 of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product, and it’s more than any other sector. Manufacturing contributes a bigger part of our nation’s economic output than the six smallest sectors combined, including construction, transportation, mining and hotels/hospitality. Oil is America’s most important manufactured product in terms of overall economic value. The process of refining petroleum is an industry worth more than $500 billion. The fastest-growing part of the manufacturing sector revolves around the production of things such as butter, beer and spices.

Manufacturing is on the rise.

In the 1970s, workers in manufacturing made up more than 20 percent of the labor force. However, between 1998 and 2010, the U.S. lost 5.7 million manufacturing jobs to countries such as China and Mexico.

In addition, American manufacturers have gotten more efficient, using machines to replace human workers in many instances. But even with all those obstacles, U.S. manufacturing has

2

3

46

MADE HERE 2020 / FALL

made a bit of a comeback. Since 2010, more than 300 companies have moved production back to the U.S., creating more than 240,000 jobs. Manufacturing now has a significant presence in all 50 states.

American cars result in American workers. According to a Consumer Reports survey, 80 percent of American shoppers say they would prefer to buy goods made in the U.S. The manufacturing of cars and trucks is a $300 billion business in the U.S. alone. Often, a car that is assembled in the U.S. contains parts from many other parts of the world. Toyota, which is a Japanese company, assembles its Camry model in Kentucky and Indiana, providing jobs for about 6,000 American autoworkers.

That’s far more autoworkers than are used for any other foreign or domestic car in the U.S. On average, however, Chevrolet, GM and Ford employ more American workers than foreign-car companies.

Buying American is an investment in quality. Among the iconic products still made in America are Gibson guitars. Orville Gibson starting making his guitars in 1894, in Kalamazoo, Mich.

The guitars are now made in Nashville – about 2,500 of them each week. They are made by hand, a process that involves around 500 workers. Similarly, Stetson makes millions of hats per year at its nine-acre plant in Philadelphia. Founded during the Civil War, Stetson is the only company to make cowboy hats entirely in the USA. Another iconic brand is Wilson, which makes 4,000 footballs a day, by hand, at its factory in Ada, Ohio.

4

5

Racing for Old Glory

L

TO

C

PA

IT

EL

K FM

IC

PT

O E,

E

ZL

D

CE

U ED

Z MU

R

F

LIP

MM

Y9

D EA

&

M CO

IS TP

RE

ON

TI

L

I CO

W

NE

4 80

C TA

ER

GG

I TR

S FA

R

www.fmkfirearms.com MADE BY AMERICANS FOR AMERICANS

RED, WHITE AND WEATHERTECH

Cargo/Trunk Liner

CupFone®

Celebrate summer with 100% made in America products you can feel good about buying. Whether you’re keeping sand out of your trunk or navigating to the beach, we have high quality products that are made right here and that support American jobs.

Made in USA

© 2020 MacNeil IP LLC

Auto. Home. Pet. Find Your Fit. 1-800-441-6287 or 1-630-769-1500