Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing | Official Podcast Series

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we highlight the Administrative Support category from the 2026 Outstanding Women of Manufacturing Awards, presented during the Women of Manufacturing Symposium in Abingdon, Virginia.

Administrative professionals play a critical role in manufacturing operations across Southwest Virginia. From accounting and scheduling to logistics coordination and customer support, these roles help ensure that production stays on track, communication flows effectively, and companies meet quality and compliance standards. This episode recognizes award recipient Letha Doss of AMR-PEMCO, along with several nominees whose work behind the scenes supports the success of manufacturing across the region.

In this special episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we take listeners inside the 2026 Women of Manufacturing Symposium hosted by the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Virginia.

Held during Women’s History Month, the event brought together manufacturing professionals, students, and community leaders from across Southwest Virginia to celebrate the women helping drive the region’s manufacturing industry forward. This episode introduces the symposium, highlights insights from keynote speaker Tamea Franco of Global Metal Finishing, and sets the stage for the Outstanding Women of Manufacturing Awards. In upcoming episodes, we’ll recognize this year’s award recipients and nominees and explore the many roles women play across Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing workforce.

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight SunCoke Energy in Vansant, Virginia, a key producer of high-quality metallurgical coke that powers the steelmaking industry across the country.

Operating advanced heat recovery coke-making technology, SunCoke’s Vansant facility plays an essential role in supporting domestic steel production while maintaining a strong focus on safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence.

We explore how this facility blends heavy industry with innovation, the importance of coke production in the manufacturing supply chain, and the skilled workforce that keeps operations running efficiently in Southwest Virginia.

Tune in to learn how SunCoke Energy is helping fuel American industry—right from the heart of coal country.

SunCoke Energy: www.suncoke.com

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In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Westlake Royal Building Products in Marion, Virginia—a leading manufacturer of high-quality exterior and interior building materials trusted across North America.

From durable siding and trim to innovative building solutions, the Marion facility plays a vital role in producing products that shape homes and communities. We explore how Westlake Royal combines advanced manufacturing processes, quality control, and skilled craftsmanship to deliver reliable products while creating strong career opportunities in Southwest Virginia.

Tune in to learn how this team is helping build the future—one product at a time—right here in SWVA.

Westlake Royal Building Products: www.westlakeroyalbuildingproducts.com

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In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company in Glade Spring, Virginia—a key production site for one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of durable, dry-type trailers for the freight and transportation industry.

Get an inside look at how Utility Trailer blends precision manufacturing, continuous improvement, and skilled craftsmanship to build the dry van trailers that keep America moving. With a strong commitment to quality, safety, and local workforce development, the Glade Spring facility plays a vital role in both the regional economy and the national supply chain.

Tune in to hear how this manufacturer is creating meaningful careers while driving innovation on the road.

Utility Trailer Manufacturing: www.utilitytrailer.com

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In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company in Atkins, Virginia—a key production site for one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of durable, high-performance trailers for the freight and transportation industry.

Get an inside look at how Utility Trailer blends precision manufacturing, continuous improvement, and skilled craftsmanship to build the refrigerated and dry van trailers that keep America moving. With a strong commitment to quality, safety, and local workforce development, the Atkins facility plays a vital role in both the regional economy and the national supply chain.

Tune in to hear how this manufacturer is creating meaningful careers while driving innovation on the road.

Utility Trailer Manufacturing: www.utilitytrailer.com

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Welcome to the Q4 2025 edition of the SVAM Member News Update! In this episode, we cover the latest manufacturing milestones, community engagement, and workforce development efforts from across Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing sector.

Highlights include:

•  $35 million expansion at VFP, Inc. in Duffield
•  A powerful student literacy initiative from Somic America in Wytheville
•  Tate, Inc.’s new facility launch in Lebanon
•  Innovation awards for Strongwell and major community support from Hitachi Energy
•  A full recap of SVAM’s 2025 Manufacturing Awards
•  A look back at the launch of the Why Manufacturing podcast series
•  Updates on training programs, college outreach, and more

Listen in to celebrate the companies and people building a stronger manufacturing community in Southwest Virginia.

Find this and other episodes on your favorite podcast app—just search #MadeInSWVA

📩 SVAM members: Want to be featured in the next episode? Send your updates to [email protected].

Interested in becoming a member of SVAM?

Careers: https://swvam.org/mfgcareers/

Trainings: https://swvam.org/trainings/

Resource Database: https://swvam.org/resource-database/

Become a Member: https://swvam.org/membership/become-a-member/

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we visit Vaughan-Bassett Furniture in Galax, Virginia—a company known for its American-made bedroom furniture, long-standing craftsmanship, and commitment to local jobs.

As one of the largest wood bedroom furniture manufacturers in the U.S., Vaughan-Bassett combines traditional woodworking techniques with modern production methods to deliver timeless, high-quality pieces to homes across the country. Their dedication to sourcing domestic hardwoods, sustaining American jobs, and supporting the regional economy makes them a standout example of what it means to be Made in Southwest Virginia.

Tune in to hear how this legacy company continues to thrive through innovation, skilled craftsmanship, and pride in local manufacturing.

Vaughan-Bassett Furniture: www.vaughanbassett.com

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In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we feature Universal Fibers in Bristol, Virginia—a global leader in the production of solution-dyed synthetic fibers used in a wide range of industries including automotive, flooring, and textiles.

With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and customization, Universal Fibers sets the standard for high-performance, environmentally responsible products. From recycled content to cutting-edge coloration and durability, their fibers are woven into some of the most recognizable products around the world—all starting right here in Southwest Virginia.

Join us to learn how Universal Fibers combines advanced manufacturing, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to the planet—while creating meaningful careers in the region.

Universal Fibers: www.universalfibers.com

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In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we highlight VFP, Inc. of Duffield, Virginia — winner of the 2025 Community Impact Award.

From painting school gyms and supporting Habitat for Humanity, to donating tens of thousands in trade materials and hiring over 60 graduates from Mountain Empire Community College, VFP’s community engagement runs deep.

We speak with Bill Regert, Environmental Health and Safety Director at VFP, about how service became central to the company’s culture, the impact of their partnership with MECC, and what advice he’d give to manufacturers looking to build stronger community ties.

Learn more about VFP, Inc.

Meet this year's other winners