Manufacturing: Things Still Made in America

When it comes to the state of manufacturing in America, consumers and manufacturing professionals alike are concerned about the effects of outsourcing production to plants in other countries. It is important for you, as a manufacturing professional, to know which companies still make products in the United States. The information may help you be more aware of the manufacturing industry, and it may also broaden the scope of your job hunt. 

Hillerich and Bradsby produces Louisville Slugger baseball bats, which are used by professional athletes and aspiring baseball players alike. The Louisville, Ky., plant employs 155 workers. Much of the wood used to produce Louisville Slugger wooden bats comes from New York and Pennsylvania, creating additional jobs in the United States.

Gibson USA also makes all of its Gibson guitars in the United States. The Nashville manufacturing plant has nearly 500 workers who perform much of the work by hand. Workers are also needed to monitor the machines that perform some of the automated processes used to manufacture these guitars. Gibson has been manufacturing in America since 1894.

Another company committed to manufacturing in America is Water-Jel Technologies. The company produces Burn Jel Plus, Unburn, Emergency Burn Care, and other products used to treat burns. Water-Jel Technologies has been awarded a "Made in USA" certification by Made in USA Certified Inc. The organization awards the USA-C designation to companies that have gone through extensive supply chain audits to ensure that all components of each product originate in the United States. If a company passes this strict manufacturing analysis, it can use the USA-C designation in its marketing and publicity materials.

Kohler, noted for producing high-quality faucets, was founded in 1912. This prominent manufacturer even started its own company town when the owner left Sheboygan, Wisc., to expand the company. Kohler now has approximately 6,500 employees who manufacture faucets in the United States. Many of these faucets are even made from reclaimed iron and recycled materials originating in the United States. Although Kohler has nearly 7,000 employees, some manufacturers are reporting difficulty finding skilled employees for manufacturing in America. Employers are especially having trouble finding skilled machinists, many of whom are getting close to retirement age. As baby boomers approach retirement, manufacturing companies will need to use every strategy available to recruit new skilled workers.

Although many companies are outsourcing their manufacturing activities, several notable companies still do all of their manufacturing in America. Knowing which companies are dedicated to keeping jobs in the United States could help you advance your career or make the switch to a more rewarding career. 

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