The Manufacturing Report

Since its birth from a bet in the summer of 2014, Cordova Outdoors has revolutionized the cooler industry. Cordova’s coolers have built-in bottle openers, special latches that protect your fingers from getting crushed, and most importantly, they will keep your beverages cold. Cordova CEO Chase Mart joins host Scott Paul to talk about what makes Cordova Outdoors stand out from the crowd.

Visit Cordova Outdoors online: https://cordovaoutdoors.com

*Photo courtesy of Cordova Outdoors

The Manufacturing Report recently traveled to Northwest Indiana — better known as "The Region" — to talk with workers and local residents about why the steel industry matters so much to the people living there.

In this special bonus episode, host Scott Paul chats with Micah Pollak, an associate professor of economics at Indiana University Northwest, to learn more about steel's importance to the region's economy.

Once called the "City of the Century," Gary, Indiana rose to fame for a couple of reasons — it is the hometown of the musical Jackson family, and it made a whole lot of steel. The Jacksons moved away, but the economy of Northwest Indiana — fondly known as the Region — remains forged in steel, making more steel than any other part of the country.

On this episode of The Manufacturing Report, host Scott Paul chats with local steelworkers and Region residents about what the industry means to this community and what needs to be done to strengthen it.

What do Iwo Jima, the Moon, the North Pole and President Lincoln’s funeral have in common? They’ve all featured American flags made by Annin Flagmakers, the world’s oldest and largest flag manufacturer. Proudly made in America since 1847, Annin flags have been present in many formative events in our nation’s history. Annin Flagmakers Vice President of Sales Bob Caggiano joins host Scott Paul to talk about the company — just in time for the Fourth of July.

Photo courtesy of Annin Flagmakers

For 35 years, Okabashi has manufactured high-quality footwear available at a reasonable price. But what makes this company stand out is its commitment to keeping jobs in Buford, Ga., the community it calls home. Okabashi CEO Sara Irvani joins host Scott Paul to discuss the company's inspiring story, strong values and durable products.

*Photo courtesy of Okabashi

When unfair trade practices forced U.S. Steel to shutter its Fairfield, Ala., blast furnace, the community’s families and businesses took a disastrous hit. But now there’s new hope. Host Scott Paul sat down with United Steelworkers Local 1013’s president, vice president and pension and benefits coordinator to learn how trade action is breathing new life into Fairfield. Also, listen to firsthand experiences on how these changes have impacted local steelworkers and area contractors.

* Photo by Jesús Espinoza

Aardvark Straws has been making paper straws since well before they were cool -- since 1888, to be exact! Today, the paper straw manufacturer is disrupting the single-use plastic straw market and leading the transformation from plastic to paper. Here's how Aardvark is pioneering Straw 2.0 and expanding production by 700% to meet exponentially growing demand.

* Photo courtesy of Aardvark Straws.

In the second part of our on-the-ground report from Granite City, Ill., host Scott Paul chats with local business owners to find out how the community outside the local steel mill's fences has fared following Section 232 trade action.

Granite City, Ill., suffered a devastating blow when its steel mill was idled in 2015, but now this working-class town has reason for celebration. Host Scott Paul speaks with the city's mayor, economic development director and the president of USW Local 1899 to learn what got Granite City back to work -- and what lies next.

* Photo by Elizabeth Brotherton-Bunch

Constantly on the road for work, Tom Sega developed an appreciation for Duluth Pack bags. In fact, he liked them so much he bought the company. Hear how Sega has taken Duluth Pack, founded in 1882, into a new era of manufacturing while staying true to the company's commitment to Made in America quality.

* Photo courtesy of Duluth Pack; photo by Grace Adams