The enduring tradition of Made in the USA

Without even looking at the companies that never offshored their production (and have still lived to celebrate major milestones and anniversaries), it’s safe to say that the Made-in-USA movement will continue to pick up steam in 2016.



As presidential candidates focus on trade in ways they haven’t in a long time, more and more companies are realizing that the benefits of outsourcing have been somewhat overestimated. Back in 2012, Inc. com examined the trend of reshoring, or what happens when American companies realize they can get a better deal in their own backyard. Local manufacturing was becoming more affordable with the advent of new technology, and international shipping was becoming more costly. Plus, wages in China were increasing.



Without further ado, here are a few products from the National Hardware Show and beyond that highlight the ingenuity of American manufacturing.

K-Co Products Little Big Shot Super Nozzle    

This adjustable hose nozzle (shown above) is a pretty cool story on its own: It offers 40% more force using 40% less water. What’s even more special about it is that it’s made by disabled U.S. veterans. (kco-innovations.com)    

Allway Tools GS-1 Safety Glass Scraper

Among the many items Allway Tools manufactures at its Bronx, New York, headquarters, this all-metal glass scraper is one of the most popular. The patented mechanism features a safety position for scraping, which prevents the blade from sliding out. (allwaytools.com)

Rite in the Rain

For weather-addled contractors, this weatherproof notebook fits the ticket. The 3-in. by 5-in. spiral notebook fits in ones’ pocket and is built to withstand sweat, rain, mud, snow, oil and grease. It remains an invention and product of the Pacific Northwest, whose logging industry inspired the innovation. (riteintherain.com)

Lasko Wind Machine

It’s not just a fan. It’s a Wind Machine with Lasko’s patented fused safety plug and a pivoting head for directional air power. It’s also made by a company that’s been carrying on the American manufacturing tradition since 1906. (laskoproducts.com)

Bloem Planters

Functional and stylish planters offer design points in a mini-malistic, modern format. The Michigan-based manufacturer of planters and outdoor living products has only been around since 2012, but it appears to be thriving thanks to its creative, colorful designs. (bloemliving.com)

ESP Low-E

Environmentally Safe Products (ESP) is a company that’s operated out of Pennsylvania for the last 26 years. Its Low-E reflective insulation offers highly competitive performance thanks to its “low emissivity” design, which stops 97% of radiant heat from escaping. (low-e.com)

T-REX Tape

Doubly thick and extra adhesive, this tape is made with UV-resistant materials to get the job done in all sorts of weather conditions and stick to rough, dirty surfaces. Its parent company, ShurTech Brands, is also a big part of what makes Avon, Ohio, tick. (trextape.com)

Forearm Forklift MovXing Cradle

This body harness system literally does the heavy lifting of making large objects manageable to carry. Established in Southern California by a U.S. Army veteran, this company specializes in moving products that encourage proper lifting techniques. (forearmforklift.com)

Ames True Temper Poly Wheel Barrow

Long a bastion of American manufacturing, Ames True Temper has been committed to onshore production for over 200 years (though some of its materials are sourced globally). This lightweight, rustproof poly wheelbarrow is one example of that legacy. (true-temper.com)

Endura Flap Pet Doors

These energy-efficient pet doors use a patented system of magnets to tightly seal all edges of the door (and it’s designed to avoid shrinking in cold weather). What’s more, they are 100% designed, engineered and handmade in San Luis Obispo, California. (enduraflap.com)

Channellock Oil Filter/PVC Plier

From its headquarters in Meadville, Pennsylvania, the family-owned Channellock has been pumping out new and time-tested offerings. Take this plier, for example: Designed to work in tight spaces, the mechanism features a slip-joint adjustment that allows for a variety of diameters. The newest 2012 version can handle large PVC and oil filters, but features a 30-degree angled head for access to previously off-limits areas. (channellock.com)