U.S. Manufacturing Today

In this solo episode of US Manufacturing Today, the host argues that three underappreciated forces are converging to create a structural advantage for U.S. manufacturers: tightening freight capacity, trucking labor enforcement, and a historically wide Brent-WTI oil spread. Despite a soft freight narrative, carrier exits are shrinking long-haul capacity, spot rates have overtaken contract rates, and forecasts now call for stronger 2026 rate growth with more fragility to disruptions. Simultaneously, stricter enforcement of rules for non-domiciled CDL holders and English proficiency standards could remove 10%–15% of trucking capacity, raising wages for American drivers and tightening industrial-origin freight lanes. The host highlights an 11-year-high Brent-WTI gap (about $18/barrel) that lowers U.S. energy-linked input costs versus global competitors, reinforced by record U.S. production forecasts, alongside policy tailwinds and PMI/new-order strength supporting reshoring and expansion.

Timestamps

00:00 Macro Setup and Themes

01:00 Freight Market Tightening

03:00 Immigration Rules Hit Capacity

04:50 Brent WTI Energy Gap

08:05 Compounding US Advantage

09:14 Signals and Call to Action

10:37 Wrap Up and Resources

Links

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In today's episode, host Matt Horine interviews Tom Welge, CEO of Gilster-Mary Lee, and Troy Compardo, CEO of the Boone Center, about workforce innovation through employing people with disabilities and neurodiverse individuals. Welch shares Gilster-Mary Lee’s evolution as a long-standing private label food manufacturer and how labor shortages drove efforts starting in 2019 to recruit and support employees with autism through manager training, better job definition, and role matching, resulting in 21 neurodiverse employees and strong retention and culture benefits. Codo explains Boone Center’s mission since 1959, its pivot to contract packaging, and current operations employing 185 adults with developmental disabilities, plus community placements and job coaching. They describe a partnership sparked by a need for e-commerce fulfillment and discuss misconceptions, scalable practices, and future goals including broader adoption, career advancement, and addressing transportation barriers.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and Theme

01:14 Meet Tom Welge

02:17 Labor Challenges at Gilster

02:59 Meet Troy Compardo

04:43 Boone Center Mission

06:31 Gilster Food Manufacturing

08:22 Partnership Origin Story

11:54 Building Inclusive Jobs

14:47 Myths and Retention Wins

16:50 Systems That Sustain

19:04 Scaling the Model Nationwide

23:06 Five Year Vision

28:20 Where to Learn More

29:50 Closing Takeaways

Links

⁠Tom on LinkedIn⁠

⁠Troy on LinkedIn⁠

⁠Gilster Mary Lee⁠

⁠Boone Center⁠

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This episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today features Derik Ellis and Molly Lenty of Vessel, a platform designed to help manufacturers and the experts who serve them turn operational data into insight by unifying shop-floor systems with business outcomes through smart assessments and supply chain intelligence. Molly shares her transition from 25 years in corporate banking and economic development to helping manufacturers access resources, while Derik describes his path from the Air Force and software entrepreneurship to founding Vessel in 2018 as a consulting firm that evolved into a technology platform. They discuss recurring challenges in small and mid-sized manufacturing, including limited access to resources, trust-building with consultants, misaligned stakeholders, and the need for disciplined, organization-wide diagnosis before action (e.g., ERP adoption). Vessel supports MEPs and consultants with a library of 300+ customizable assessments, multi-stakeholder alignment, longitudinal tracking, actionable reports, and aggregated ecosystem visibility to inform workforce and regional strategy.

Timestamps

00:00 Show Introduction

01:24 Meet Molly Lenty

03:16 Derik Ellis Origin Story

05:20 Recurring SME Challenges

06:30 Access And Resource Networks

09:02 What Vessel Does

10:07 MEPs And Standardized Assessments

15:29 Why Consulting Often Fails

17:53 Diagnosis Before Action

21:29 Assessment Library And Custom Builds

23:31 Multi Stakeholder Alignment

26:23 Delivering Actionable Reports

31:34 AI As Expert Augmentation

33:05 Ecosystem Level Visibility

35:51 Workforce And Policy Gaps

38:06 Future Vision To 2030

42:09 Where To Learn More

42:42 Closing And Subscribe

Links

Vessel

Molly on LinkedIn

Derik on LinkedIn

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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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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Revitalizing US Manufacturing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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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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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Revitalizing US Manufacturing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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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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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Revitalizing US Manufacturing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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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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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Revitalizing US Manufacturing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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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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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Revitalizing US Manufacturing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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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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