After seeing some news from Neely Manufacturing, I was wondering if a larger trend was going to start to emerge. Neely announced sales have tripled (see below) since making the switch to all domestic-made products. With gas and transportation prices skyrocketing, will it become more affordable to make products locally—which would cut shipping costs, development costs (and probably a hundred different costs that I don’t even know exist), while supporting local economies that in and of themselves are being weakened by the same high energy costs? I guess what I’m wondering is if it’s time to start thinking about becoming a homegrown society (again), not because of patriotism, pride or anything else, but just due to the pure economics of it all. I’d love to hear what other people think.
Neely Announces Surge in Made-in-USA Product Sales
Neely Manufacturing is dispelling the myth that American-made products are too expensive to produce and sell. When Neely president Mike Watson made the decision to return the company to its roots of offering American-made products, the results of such a decision were unknown. Now, well into the fiscal year, that’s changed. The results are in, and the company is reporting 2008 sales have tripled over those of last year.
Watson, who joined Eric Fitzhugh in taking over the company last year, believed distributors would flock to American-made products if given the chance. According to Watson, “Former customers are returning to Neely in record numbers. He added, “They appreciate our reliable product performance and short lead times. We’re also proud that our success has revitalized the workforce in the two small Iowa towns in which we operate factories. Keeping our communities strong and viable has been an added benefit.”
About Neely Manufacturing:
Neely Manufacturing has more than 65,000 square feet of plant space and is one of the largest producers of specialty textile products made in the U.S.
For more information on Neely Manufacturing, visit www.neelymfg.com or call (800) 247-1785.
