The Manufacturing Report

Think Top Chef — but for welders, machinists and engineers. Ray Dick, founder of Project MFG and creator of the reality show Clash of Trades, discusses how his organization is inspiring the next generation of manufacturers through hands-on competition and community engagement. He shares how Project MFG evolved from local events into a national showcase during COVID, highlights its role in addressing the skilled labor shortage, and emphasizes manufacturing’s importance to economic and national security. Dick also explores how inclusivity and purpose-driven education can attract more people into the trades.

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Guest Resources

Watch Clash of Trades on Youtube: / projectmfg

Project MFG Website: projectmfg.com

Instagram: instagram.com/projectmf

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#ClashOfTrades #ProjectMFG #MadeInAmerica #Manufacturing #SkilledTrades #FutureOfWork #ManufacturingMatters #AmericanManufacturing #WorkforceDevelopment #TradeSkills

A little-known trade loophole cost American jobs and put families at risk — until a coalition fought back. Kim Glas, president & CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations, discusses how a coalition of labor, manufacturers, retailers and families worked together to close the de minimis loophole. Kim explains how Chinese e-commerce giants exploited this U.S law to flood the U.S. with untaxed and uninspected goods, including products made with forced labor, unsafe merchandise, and fentanyl shipments into the country.

Kim breaks down where the law now stands and how de minimis reform protects American workers, consumers, and national security.

You've probably tasted this product a thousand times, maybe without even knowing its name! From pumpkin spice to hibiscus, family-owned Torani has been bringing delicious flavors to life for 100 years through its San Francisco-made syrups. But there's so much more to this B-Corp-certified company than just "mmmm" factor. Torani CEO Melanie Dulbecco shares how the family-owned company pioneered the flavored latte, grew from cafés into consumer markets, and how the company's commitment to opportunity- and wealth-sharing has been critical to its 20% year-over-year revenue growth.

Photo courtesy Torani

Eight out of ten eyeglass frames sold in America come from China - but a Texas couple is out to change that. Rick and Cindy Taylor, founders of Forall Frameworks - one of the few U.S. eyewear manufacturers - discuss their path from importing eyewear to establishing a factory in Lubbock, Texas, overcoming challenges like sourcing overseas machinery, training workers, and competing with global monopolies. They highlight their commitment to quality and American-made values and the pride their team takes in producing durable, American-made frames that compete with imports.

Megan Salrin, the National Coordinator for Rapid Response at the United Steelworkers, began her career as an intern with the Alliance for American Manufacturing. Today, we’re looking back on her journey from a small-town union household to advocating for workers in Congress. Megan shares stories of saving manufacturing jobs, pushing for the Leveling the Playing Field Act 2.0, and promoting American-made products. Her career embodies purpose-driven leadership, union values, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening U.S. manufacturing.

One technology manufacturer is making a bold bet that could reshape the future of U.S. tech production. Our team at AAM heads to Long Island for the groundbreaking of Orbic’s “Project Patriot,” an ambitious reshoring initiative bringing electronics manufacturing back to the United States and creating over 1,000 jobs.

A century-old company is reinventing itself to solve one of manufacturing’s biggest challenges. Rachel Zapernick, general manager at Thomas (now part of Xometry), discusses the company’s evolution from a printed directory to a leading digital platform connecting U.S. manufacturers with buyers. She covers how the company addresses labor shortages through workforce development and the growing role of automation and AI in the industry. Zapernick also shares how Thomas is investing in the next generation of talent and working to reshape the public perception of modern manufacturing careers across the country.

With a background as unique as her mission, one woman is bringing fresh energy to U.S. manufacturing. Christine Holly Ngo, founder of Silicon Valley Elite Manufacturing and host of the Making Things Fun, Cool & Sexy podcast, shares her journey from red carpet entertainment reporter to manufacturing advocate, detailing how she reconnected with her family’s business and launched efforts to make manufacturing exciting and accessible. She discusses reshoring in Silicon Valley, engaging the next generation, empowering women in the industry, and embracing automation and robotics as part of America’s manufacturing revival.

Marlin Steel Wire Products LLC President & Owner Drew Greenblatt knows the power of manufacturing jobs in America, but he also knows that unfair trade has stacked the odds against this vital industry — something he's told four U.S. presidents over the course of his career. Is Washington getting the picture now? Greenblatt offers his take on The Manufacturing Report podcast.

Photo courtesy Drew Greenblatt

Wright Tool Company's hand tools have been used by the Department of Defense in every conflict around the world since the department's founding, as well as in the construction or repair of every power plant, bridge, and so many other critical pieces of infrastructure in the United States. That's the kind of patriotic pride that's the backbone of this family-owned company building and defending our country.

Tom Futey, Wright Tool president and owner, discusses why the company has chosen to manufacture its high-quality hand tools near Akron, Ohio, for almost a century and reflects on the value of in-house manufacturing, workforce development, innovation in tool design, and the challenges of staying competitive amid globalization and post-COVID labor shifts.