Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing | Official Podcast Series

What do crawler cranes, pillows, automotive components, transformers, aircraft components, structural steel, pet-care products, and even salt have in common?

They're all examples of products made right here in Southwest Virginia.

To kick off Manufacturing Month, SVAM is launching Made Here: Manufacturing in Southwest Virginia, a four-part special series exploring the products, people, economic impact, and future of manufacturing across our region.

In Episode 1, we take a trip across Southwest Virginia to highlight some of the surprising products being manufactured in our communities, and the industries and supply chains they ultimately serve.

From products used in homes and automobiles to equipment supporting energy, construction, mining, and aerospace, the episode offers just a small glimpse of how Southwest Virginia manufacturers connect our region to customers and industries around the world.

Made Here: Manufacturing in Southwest Virginia is a four-part Manufacturing Month special from the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing.

Learn more about manufacturing companies and careers in Southwest Virginia at swvam.org.

Ranae Anderson once thought she’d become a veterinarian. Instead, a love of chemistry led her to a career in manufacturing and eventually to her role as Global Sustainability Leader at Universal Fibers in Bristol, Virginia.

In this episode of How I Got Here: Manufacturing, Ranae shares how she went from studying chemistry at Tuskegee University to becoming a paint chemist, working in technical service, and ultimately building a career that combines science, manufacturing, leadership, and sustainability.

She also talks about building credibility as a woman in manufacturing, the importance of mentors, what a global career can look like from Southwest Virginia, and why young people shouldn’t wait until they have their entire career mapped out before taking the next opportunity.

Ranae’s story is a great example of just how many directions a career in manufacturing can take.

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Wabtec Elastomers in Wytheville, Virginia, where the team specializes in manufacturing custom elastomeric components for critical applications in rail, industrial, and other markets. The operation produces custom rubber, fabric-reinforced, and metal-bonded solutions using a variety of manufacturing processes and capabilities. 

From custom molding and rubber compounding to quality, continuous improvement, and operational excellence, the Wytheville facility brings specialized manufacturing expertise to customers with demanding applications. Tune in to learn more about the products, processes, and people behind this Southwest Virginia manufacturing operation. 

Wabtec Longwood Elastomers: www.wabteccorp.com/elastomers

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In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we visit W&W|AFCO Steel’s production facility in Bristol, Virginia, where large-scale structural steel components are fabricated for bridges, commercial buildings, industrial projects, and other major construction applications. Learn how advanced fabrication equipment, skilled craftsmanship, welding, fitting, and quality control come together to create the steel framework behind the built environment. From infrastructure to industry, W&W|AFCO Steel shows how Southwest Virginia manufacturing helps support the structures we rely on every day.

W&W | AFCO Steel: www.wwafcosteel.com

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In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Spectrum Brands in Blacksburg, Virginia, home to one of the company's largest Global Pet Care manufacturing facilities. For more than 30 years, the Blacksburg team has produced trusted aquatics and companion animal products for well-known brands.

From advanced manufacturing and research and development to continuous improvement and workforce development, the Blacksburg facility plays a vital role in delivering innovative pet care products to customers around the world. Join us as we explore how Spectrum Brands combines manufacturing excellence, innovation, and community engagement to make a global impact from Southwest Virginia. 

Spectrum Brands: www.spectrumbrands.com

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In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we visit Special-T Manufacturing in Meadowview, Virginia, a company producing custom electrical components that help power modern infrastructure. From flex-braid connectors and bus bars to wiring harness assemblies, machining, welding, and electroplating, Special-T creates the behind-the-scenes parts that help electricity move safely and reliably through power distribution, data transmission, manufacturing, utilities, and alternative energy systems. Discover how precision craftsmanship in Meadowview supports the systems that keep our connected world running.

Special-T Manufacturing: specialtmfg.com

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Welcome to the Q2 2026 edition of the SVAM Member News Update, your quarterly roundup of the latest news, achievements, and workforce initiatives from manufacturers across Southwest Virginia. 

In this episode, we celebrate member accomplishments including Hapco Pole Products' Virginia Manufacturing Cup recognition, Strongwell's innovative rail freight collaboration, Mohawk Industries' impressive safety milestone, and community engagement efforts from Hitachi Energy. We also highlight workforce initiatives at Simmons Equipment and leadership updates from Universal Fibers. 

On the SVAM front, we recap another successful Manufacturing Careers Signing Day, recognize this year's Manufacturing Careers Scholarship recipients, and share updates on student outreach, leadership development, career fairs, and member training opportunities. Finally, we look ahead to SVAM's Annual Meeting and the 2026 Southwest Virginia Manufacturers Expo. 

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SVAM Recognizes the Newest Certified TOpX Leaders

SVAM Celebrates Students Committing to Manufacturing Careers at Signing Day Event

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight General Dynamics Mission Systems in Marion, Virginia—a facility that supports the development and production of advanced technologies for defense, aerospace, and national security applications.

From precision manufacturing and rigorous quality standards to cutting-edge engineering, the Marion team plays an important role in delivering mission-critical products that support customers around the world. Their commitment to innovation, technical excellence, and a highly skilled workforce demonstrates the impact manufacturing in Southwest Virginia has on industries far beyond our region.

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at how General Dynamics Mission Systems combines advanced manufacturing, engineering expertise, and continuous improvement to help solve some of today's most complex challenges.

General Dynamics Mission Systems: www.gdmissionsystems.com

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In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Somic America in Wytheville, Virginia, a leading supplier to the automotive manufacturing market. Somic America specializes in the engineering, design, and manufacturing of high-quality ball joints for suspension and steering systems and rotary dampers for seat and tailgate applications. 

With more than 35 years serving the North and South American automotive markets, Somic America combines manufacturing, machining, assembly, and rapid design-change capabilities to support vehicle safety, reliability, and comfort. Tune in to learn how this Southwest Virginia manufacturer is helping keep vehicles performing at their best. 

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Somic America in Wytheville, Virginia—the North American headquarters of SOMIC Packaging, a global leader in end-of-line packaging machinery.

Known for designing and manufacturing innovative case packing systems, Somic America helps companies across the food, beverage, consumer goods, and pharmaceutical industries improve efficiency through flexible, automated packaging solutions. Their advanced technology supports manufacturers around the world while creating high-quality careers right here in Southwest Virginia.

Join us as we explore how Somic America combines German engineering, American manufacturing, and a commitment to innovation to help customers solve complex packaging challenges and prepare for the future of manufacturing.

Somic America: www.somicamerica.com

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