In today's episode, Matt Horine speaks with Scott Maier, CEO of Virginia-based Blue Star NBR. Scott explains why the U.S. still imports about 99% of nitrile gloves and how pandemic shortages exposed major supply-chain risk. He outlines the capital, scale, and technical complexity required to reshore commodity glove production, and argues gloves are strategic for industries like semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, rare earths, magnets, and batteries. The discussion covers China’s expansion and vertical control of both glove output and raw materials, the need to treat PPE as national security infrastructure, and policy requirements such as tariffs, financing, and long-term buyer commitments (including proposed CMS reimbursement incentives for hospitals buying domestic PPE). Maier also describes workforce development efforts in southwest Virginia/Appalachia and Blue Star’s plans to complete a raw-material facility and begin building multiple glove plants.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to US Manufacturing Today + Introducing Scott Maier (Blue Star NBR)

01:21 Scott’s Path from Finance to Building Manufacturing Companies

02:34 The Wake-Up Call: America’s Medical Supply Vulnerability (Pre-Pandemic)

03:36 What Really Happened During the Pandemic Glove Shortages

04:55 What It Takes to Build Nitrile Glove Manufacturing in the U.S. (Scale & Capital)

06:12 Misconceptions: Why Glove Manufacturing Is Harder Than People Think

07:49 Beyond Healthcare: Gloves as a Strategic Input for Critical Industry

08:33 China’s Vertical Control of Gloves + Raw Materials (and Why It’s a Choke Point)

09:51 PPE as National Security Infrastructure & Economic Sovereignty

12:39 Policy Reality Check: Tariffs, Financing, and Buyer Commitments

14:13 Competing with Subsidized Imports: The ‘China Price’ and Raw-Input Advantage

19:46 Demand Signals & Incentives: CMS Reimbursements and Onshoring Momentum

21:21 Workforce & Site Selection: Training Pipelines in Southwest Virginia

24:20 Automation & the Next Wave of Reindustrialization (Textiles and Beyond)

26:07 Looking Ahead: What Success Looks Like + Risks, Optimism, and Advice

30:14 How to Help + What’s Next for Blue Star NBR (and Where to Follow Scott)

31:50 Wrap-Up, Thanks, and Where to Find More Resources

Links

Scott on LinkedIn

Scott on X

Blue Star NBR

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Matt Horine argues that U.S. manufacturing is seeing a real “vibe shift” and structural turn in early 2026, based on shop-floor signals rather than GDP. It highlights ISM Manufacturing PMI rising to 52.6 (expansion) with strong new orders, production, and rebuilding backlogs, plus buyers positioning ahead of anticipated tariff-related price changes. The host discusses supply-driven cooling in prices using real-time inflation readings and suggests this could give the Fed room to cut rates, lowering manufacturers’ cost of capital. Freight indicators (including the Bank of America Truckload Demand Indicator at 60.7 and analysis from FreightWaves’ Craig Fuller) are cited as confirming stronger industrial activity, with immigration enforcement potentially tightening freight labor. The episode ties momentum to policy and a broader global shift toward resilience, domestic capacity, and reindustrialization, and previews upcoming guests and resources on variableops.com.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome + Why This Solo Episode Matters (A Real Shop-Floor Read)

00:48 The Vibe Shift: Structural Changes & Non-Linear Manufacturing Growth

02:38 PMI Breaks Back Into Expansion: New Orders, Output, Backlogs

04:46 Supply-Driven Deflation: Real-Time Inflation, Productivity, and the Fed Pivot

08:02 Freight as the Leading Indicator: Spot Rates, Truckload Demand, Tightening Capacity

09:29 Policy Tailwinds: Industrial Strategy, Incentives, Tariffs, and Domestic Investment

10:29 A New Global Order: Resilience Over Efficiency & Industrial Policy as Sovereignty

11:29 Why This Cycle Feels Different: Flexibility, AI, Local Supply Chains, Breakout Setup

12:50 Wrap-Up: What We’re Watching Next + Upcoming Guests & How to Follow

Links

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In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, host Matt Horine welcomes Alex Huckstepp, Co-founder of Uptool—a manufacturing technology startup focused on solving quoting and sourcing bottlenecks through AI-driven solutions. Alex discusses his journey into the manufacturing industry and the founding of Uptool with his co-founder. They delve into the importance of speeding up the quoting process, the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing manufacturing workflows, and the broader impact of these advancements on the U.S. supply chain. Alex also highlights the company's mission to support small and medium-sized manufacturers and shares insights into the future of the industry.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to US Manufacturing Today

00:15 Meet Alex Huck: Founder of UP Tool

01:02 The Journey to Founding UP Tool

03:55 Challenges in Quoting and Supplier Discovery

08:31 UP Tool's AI Quoting Solution

13:12 Future of Manufacturing and AI Integration

15:17 Reshoring and Supplier Visibility

17:19 The Role of Marketplaces in Manufacturing

20:03 AI's Impact on Small Manufacturers

22:34 Looking Ahead: Trends and Predictions

26:48 Conclusion and Where to Learn More

Links

Uptool

Alex on LinkedIn

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In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, Matt Horine talks to Renan Devillieres, Founder and CEO of OSS Ventures, about the evolving landscape of American manufacturing. Renan, with his unique background in economics, venture capital, and industrial operations, discusses the importance of innovation in manufacturing, the intersection of startups and industrial technology, and the significant role of sustainability and resilience in reshoring and supply chain management. The conversation delves into the venture studio model's effectiveness in manufacturing, the importance of pragmatic and long-term strategies in industrial policy, and the critical alignment of capital, talent, and policy for ensuring future industrial strength.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to US Manufacturing Today

00:15 Meet Renan Devillieres: Economist Turned Manufacturing Innovator

03:37 The Birth of OSS Ventures

05:59 The Future of Manufacturing: Reshoring and New Shoring

10:52 Challenges and Opportunities in Industrial Tech

13:04 The Venture Studio Model in Manufacturing

17:05 AI and Automation in Manufacturing

24:33 Sustainability and Strategic Resilience

27:13 Advice for Founders, Operators, and Investors

31:56 Looking Ahead: The Future of Manufacturing

37:03 Conclusion and Contact Information

Links

Renan on LinkedIn

OSS Ventures

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In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today powered by Veryable, host Matt Horine discusses the future of the American manufacturing landscape with Chris Luecke, Host of the Manufacturing Happy Hour podcast. The conversation delves into the origins and evolution of Manufacturing Happy Hour, the key themes recurring in industry discussions, and the critical role of culture in manufacturing. Chris shares insights on current trends like nearshoring, automation, and the integration of AI, along with their impact on productivity and workforce retention. The dialogue also touches on how the industry can remain resilient and competitive by investing in workforce culture and strategically implementing technology. Chris offers his perspectives on the importance of attracting the next generation to manufacturing and suggests practical steps leaders can take to enhance their organizational culture. The episode concludes with predictions for the manufacturing sector in 2026 and advice on developing effective strategies for the future.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to US Manufacturing Today

00:15 Meet Chris Luecke: Founder of Manufacturing Happy Hour

01:15 The Origin Story of Manufacturing Happy Hour

01:42 Evolution and Impact of Manufacturing Happy Hour

04:34 Common Themes in Manufacturing: Workforce and Automation

06:49 The Importance of Culture in Manufacturing

11:12 Trends and Challenges in Manufacturing: 2025 Recap

16:39 The Role of AI and Technology in Manufacturing

21:54 Reshoring and Nearshoring: Building Resilient Manufacturing

24:27 Workforce Development: Adapting to New Realities

28:59 Looking Ahead: Predictions for US Manufacturing in 2026

32:26 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More

Links

Chris on LinkedIn

Chris's Website

Manufacturing Happy Hour

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Today we are re-casting a prior interview done on the Inspired Stories Podcast, hosted by Anthony Codispoti. Check out the original recording at the links below.

Website -  ⁠https://inspiredstoriespodcast.com/matt-horines-reindustrialization-mission-building-on-demand-labor-for-american-manufacturing/⁠

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY4qRWcOftM&t=207s 

Apple Podcasts -  

https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/matt-horines-reindustrialization-mission-building-on/id1728906402?i=1000743083490 

Spotify -  

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4VSR2ppcLogToeUzr13uQK?si=3d5845b4a5134c11 

Amazon Music -  https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b02fe37f-ddb2-44bf-83b0-d60a82e306c6/episodes/d227816d-cd42-4dd9-8e6c-819ad7c080fd/the-inspired-stories-podcast-matt-horine's-reindustrialization-mission-building-on-demand-labor-for-american-manufacturing 

Pocket Casts - https://pca.st/3fa5ieoy

Radio Public - https://radiopublic.com/the-inspired-stories-podcast-6VgmjE

In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, hosted by Veryable, the focus is on American industry and its critical role in national independence and economic self-determination. The guest, John Gardner, author of 'Manufacture Local' and a seasoned professional in precision machining, discusses the historical significance of localized production in the US and its implications today. Highlights include the socio-economic impact of outsourcing, the importance of manufacturing for national security, and the need for a reformed tariff policy. Gardner criticizes economists like Milton Friedman for their detrimental free trade policies and advocates for a return to the founding fathers' vision of financing the government through tariffs rather than income taxes. Key historical insights and modern policy recommendations are discussed, offering listeners a comprehensive look at the necessity and benefits of revitalizing American manufacturing.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to US Manufacturing Today

00:15 Meet John Gardner: Author of 'Manufacture Local'

00:43 The Historical Context of American Manufacturing

01:52 John Gardner's Personal Journey in Manufacturing

04:44 Challenges and Realities of Modern Manufacturing

06:08 The Impact of Policies on Manufacturing

08:30 The Importance of Manufacturing for National Sovereignty

15:01 Current State of US Manufacturing

16:52 Tariffs and Industrial Policy

22:57 The Importance of Manufacturing Independence

23:35 World War II: A Manufacturing Miracle

24:39 Challenges in Modern Manufacturing

27:23 The Ideological Shift: Milton Friedman and Free Trade

32:01 The Case for Tariffs and Economic Security

33:21 Historical Context of Tariffs in the U.S.

38:48 The External Revenue Service: A New Vision

45:30 Conclusion and Future Directions

Links

Manufacture Local (Amazon)

John Gardner

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Revitalizing US Manufacturing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, hosted by Matt Horine, the focus is on the critical role data plays in the reindustrialization of American industry. Matt is joined by Errol Rodericks, Product Marketing Director at Denodo, a leader in data virtualization and logical data management. The discussion covers the rise of microfactories, driven by demand volatility, product variation, sustainability, reshoring, and AI. They explore how modern data infrastructure is essential for operational agility and real-time responsiveness in manufacturing. Key topics include the significance of transient data, challenges with legacy data systems, and the benefits of a logical data management framework. Errol also shares insights on preparing for AI automation and digital twins, emphasizing the need for real-time, trusted data to remain competitive in the evolving manufacturing landscape.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to US Manufacturing Today

00:16 The Importance of Data in Modern Manufacturing

00:36 Guest Introduction: Errol Rodericks

01:37 Understanding Microfactories

02:50 The Five Forces Driving Microfactory Adoption

04:48 Data Challenges in Modern Manufacturing

06:53 The Role of AI in Microfactories

16:57 Logical Data Management Explained

25:50 Real-World Applications of Transient Data

32:22 Preparing for the Future of Smart Manufacturing

38:07 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Links

Errol on LinkedIn

Denodo

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In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, host Matt Horine chats with David Socha, CEO of the Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Company. David shares his journey into the toy and collectibles business, starting from his childhood love for toys and progressing through his entrepreneurial ventures. They discuss the company's commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and ethical manufacturing. David also provides his perspective on the challenges and trends in the toy manufacturing industry, including the impact of globalization, the shift towards customization, and the importance of maintaining high safety standards. The conversation delves into the role of creativity in manufacturing and the potential of automation and AI to improve the industry. David concludes by sharing his optimistic vision for the future of US consumer goods manufacturing and the evolution of his company. Listeners can learn more about Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Company at plush.com.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:46 David Socha's Journey into the Toy Industry

02:22 Building a Legacy in Toy Manufacturing

03:58 Challenges and Trends in US Manufacturing

07:13 Globalization and Manufacturing Realities

10:17 Adapting to Market Changes and Trends

21:10 Balancing Creativity and Efficiency

22:44 Future of Toy Manufacturing

24:34 Optimism for US Manufacturing

26:36 Conclusion and Contact Information

Links

David on LinkedIn

Plush / Beverly Hills Teddy Bear

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Revitalizing US Manufacturing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, the podcast powered by Verayble, host Matt Horine features Tony Gunn, CEO of TGM Global and creator of the Worldwide Machinist brand. Tony shares his journey from nearly becoming a professional soccer player to entering the manufacturing industry at age 20, eventually evolving into a global advocate for machinists and the manufacturing sector. The discussion covers Tony's unconventional path, the importance of storytelling in manufacturing, and the need for the US to reclaim its leadership in the industry through technology, culture, education, and awareness. Tony provides insights on the significance of fearless decision-making, gratitude, hard work, and positivity. The episode also touches on the challenges and opportunities of reshoring, the critical role of professional associations, and advice for the next generation of manufacturers. Stay tuned for Tony's autobiography, set for release in Q1 2026.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to US Manufacturing Today

00:15 Meet Tony Gunn: A Global Voice in Manufacturing

01:30 Tony's Unconventional Journey to Manufacturing

03:54 From Machinist to Media: Tony's Career Evolution

05:09 The Importance of Manufacturing

08:18 Challenges and Opportunities in Manufacturing

13:58 Global Perspectives on Manufacturing

20:15 The Consumerism Shift and Its Impact

22:51 Traits of Successful Manufacturing Organizations

26:22 The Rapid Pace of Technological Advancement

27:19 Generational Shifts in the Workforce

28:44 The Reality of Reshoring in US Manufacturing

30:17 Challenges and Opportunities in Global Manufacturing

36:08 Inspiring the Next Generation of Manufacturers

37:09 Personal Growth Through Adversity

42:38 The Importance of Associations and Networking

44:21 Future Plans and Global Travels

47:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links

Tony on LinkedIn

Tony's Website

The Worldwide Machinist

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