Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing | Official Podcast Series

In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we visit Shearer’s Foods in Bristol, Virginia—one of the region’s leading snack food manufacturers. Learn how this bustling facility produces everything from potato chips to tortilla snacks for homes across the country. Discover how a company with humble roots became a powerhouse in private-label snack manufacturing, all while supporting local jobs and committing to sustainability. Whether you're a fan of crunchy chips or just curious about food production, this episode brings the flavor of industry home.

Shearer's: www.shearers.com

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In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we feature Samuel Pressure Vessel Group in Southwest Virginia—a global leader in the design and manufacturing of high-quality pressure vessels and engineered products. Known for their commitment to safety, precision, and performance, Samuel PVG serves critical sectors such as energy, chemical processing, and industrial manufacturing.

Join us as we explore how their engineering expertise, rigorous quality standards, and skilled workforce contribute to products trusted around the world. From innovation to impact, Samuel Pressure Vessel Group is a powerful example of what Southwest Virginia manufacturing has to offer.

Samuel Pressure Vessel Group: www.samuelpressurevessel.com

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In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Real Performance Machinery in Independence, Virginia—this year’s recipient of the Innovation in Manufacturing Award at SVAM’s Manufacturing Awards Banquet. 🏆

Specializing in custom machinery and automation solutions, Real Performance Machinery is redefining what’s possible in industrial equipment design. We discuss how their cutting-edge engineering, problem-solving mindset, and customer-focused innovation have earned them a reputation for excellence both locally and nationally.

🎧 Tune in to hear how this award-winning team is shaping the future of manufacturing—right from the heart of Southwest Virginia.

Real Performance Machinery: www.rpmachinery.com

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In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we feature PBE Axell, a global leader in communications, safety, and monitoring systems with a strong presence in Southwest Virginia. Serving critical sectors like mining, tunneling, and industrial operations, PBE Axell is known for developing rugged, reliable technologies that perform in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

We explore how their cutting-edge solutions, including wireless communication, environmental monitoring, and real-time tracking, are improving safety and efficiency across industries. From local innovation to global deployment, PBE Axell is helping shape the future of industrial safety and connectivity.

PBE Axell - www.pbeaxell.com

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In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we shine a spotlight on Paul’s Fans in Grundy, Virginia—a leading manufacturer of industrial ventilation systems for the mining and manufacturing industries. Known for their durability, custom engineering, and commitment to safety, Paul’s Fans plays a vital role in keeping critical operations running smoothly across the U.S.

Join us as we explore how this Southwest Virginia company combines precision engineering, innovation, and local craftsmanship to deliver solutions trusted by industries nationwide. From their roots in the coalfields to national impact, Paul’s Fans is a standout example of SWVA manufacturing excellence.

Paul's Fans:  www.paulsfans.com

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 In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we shine a spotlight on Mitsubishi Chemical Group in Wytheville, Virginia—a global leader in high-performance thermoplastics. Discover how this innovative facility contributes to industries ranging from automotive to healthcare, all while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and community. Learn how cutting-edge materials produced in Wytheville are shaping the future of engineering and manufacturing worldwide. 

Mitsubishi Chemical Group

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In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we’re proud to feature Hitachi Energy in Bland, Virginia—recipient of the Manufacturer of the Year Award at SVAM’s 2024 Manufacturing Awards Banquet.

As a global leader in energy technology, Hitachi Energy stands out for its commitment to innovation, workforce development, sustainability, and community impact. Join us as we explore the practices and values that earned them this top honor, from powering the grid of the future to investing in local talent and driving progress in Southwest Virginia.

Whether you're in manufacturing, energy, or just curious about what excellence looks like in today’s industrial world, this episode offers insight into how Hitachi Energy is helping shape a smarter, more sustainable future—starting right here in SWVA.

Hitachi Energy

See all of the Manufacturing Awards Banquet Honorees

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In this episode of SVAM Member News Update, we highlight major investments, facility expansions, safety milestones, and award recognitions from Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing community. Hear the latest on Lawrence Brothers’ expansion in Bluefield, Hitachi Energy’s growth in Atkins and Bland, Somic America’s top-tier supplier award, and a strong recovery effort from West River Conveyors. We also recognize Mohawk’s Hillsville facility for achieving Level 1 in their Safety Management System.

Plus, SVAM spotlights the 2024 Manufacturing Awards Banquet, the 2025 Women of Manufacturing Symposium and Outstanding Women of Manufacturing awards, recent student outreach events like Manufacture Your Career and Opportunities in Manufacturing, and member-only opportunities that continue to build the region’s industrial strength.

SVAM members are invited to submit news for the next episode by emailing [email protected].

Interested in becoming a member of SVAM?

Meet the honorees at the 2024 SWVA Manufacturing Awards Banquet

Meet the honorees at the 2025 Women of Manufacturing Symposium

SVAM members in this episode:

Lawrence Brothers, Inc.

Hitachi Energy

Somic America, Inc.

West River Conveyors

Universal Fibers

Mohawk Industries, Inc.

AQ Transformer Solutions

Coperion Corporation

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we explore what innovation truly looks like in modern manufacturing—right here in Southwest Virginia. Join us as we hear from Rich Brooks, Plant Manager at Hapco Pole Products in Abingdon, VA, one of this year’s Innovations in Manufacturing Award nominees.

From pioneering a state-of-the-art manufacturing cell for direct-buried aluminum poles to embracing efficiency, quality, and sustainability, Hapco is not just keeping up with the industry—they're setting the pace. It’s a must-listen for manufacturers, innovators, and anyone curious about how big ideas become industry breakthroughs.

Hapco Pole Products: www.hapco.com

The Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing, Inc.: www.swvam.org

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Lawrence Brothers, Inc. of Bluefield, Virginia—a company with deep roots in custom metal fabrication and a strong commitment to quality and innovation. Serving industries nationwide, Lawrence Brothers delivers durable, made-to-order solutions that meet the toughest industrial demands.

We explore their history of craftsmanship, how they’ve evolved with new technologies, and their role in supporting both the local workforce and national industries. Whether you’re in manufacturing or simply interested in how precision fabrication powers progress, this episode offers a look inside one of SWVA’s standout manufacturers.

Lawrence Brothers: www.lbimanufacturing.com