Do Americans Still Know How to Make Stuff?

Paul Fichter, who founded Taphandles in 1999, anticipates $11 million in revenue this year, employing 33 people at its Seattle headquarters and roughly 450 at the Chinese factory that produces the beer-marketing products it sells to breweries.

Mr. Fichter discusses the factors that led him to bring some of his manufacturing back to the United States with The New York Times.

Here's the last question posed by the interviewer:

Q. Do you think Americans still know how to make stuff?

A. Absolutely. My baby’s crib was made here, and that was important to me. I didn’t have to worry about the safety of, for example, the paint used. The key to success for the United States will be using machines instead of brawn. When we surveyed other countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia, we didn’t find the skilled labor base we needed. While I’m really proud of creating jobs here in America, it’s not just an emotional decision. It makes sense. 

Read the entire interview here.

Do you see this as a trend to bring manufacturing back to the United States?  We welcome your comments and insights.

Illustration credit:  Taphandles