In an era of globalization, these American businesses are proudly manufacturing their products right here at home — even when it means sacrificing higher profits.

I believe one of the most patriotic business practices a business can perform is to manufacture their products domestically.

We all know that these days, globalization and outsourcing have become the norm, we expect it now. But there is something to be said for companies that choose to keep their manufacturing operations right here in the United States.

While it may be more profitable in the short-term to shift production overseas where labor costs are lower, these patriotic businesses are making a conscious choice to support the American economy and workforce.

Domestic manufacturing is a quintessentially American tradition, harking back to the country’s industrial roots. It represents ideals like hard work, independence, and good old-fashioned capitalism. These companies are eschewing the temptation of higher profits abroad in order to contribute to their local communities, provide steady jobs for American workers, and bolster the national economy as a whole.

Many consumers these days are increasingly concerned about the origin of the products they purchase, so this domestic focus can also serve as a powerful marketing tool.

Patriotic branding that highlights American-made goods taps into a sense of national pride and nostalgia that resonates with many shoppers. However, the true motivation for these patriotic business practices goes beyond mere marketing ploys.

The companies that have chosen to keep manufacturing within the United States are making an active statement about their values and priorities, and hats off to them for it.

They are willing to forgo some of the cost savings that could be achieved by offshoring, recognizing that there is inherent value in supporting the American worker and the American economy. This is the kind of principled, community-minded entrepreneurship that helped build this country, and it is important to recognize and celebrate these modern-day champions of domestic manufacturing.

The first company I want to mention is one that I have used many times throughout my life, and I consider it a miracle product, and I can personally testify to its effectiveness. And the fact that they manufacture domestically right here in the Good Old US of A makes them one of my favorite companies.

Vermont’s Original Bag Balm

Vermont’s Original Bag Balm is a shining example of an American company that has remained committed to domestic manufacturing, even as many of its competitors have sought greener pastures overseas. This iconic moisturizing salve has been produced in the same location — Lyndonville, Vermont — since its creation over a century ago in 1899.

The story of Bag Balm begins with a Vermont farmer named John Norris, who originally developed the formula as a soothing ointment for chapped cow udders. Over the decades, the product’s popularity grew, as people discovered its effectiveness in treating a variety of skin conditions in both animals and humans.

Yet through it all, Bag Balm has continued to be proudly manufactured right in the heart of the Green Mountain State, providing good-paying jobs for generations of Vermonters.

This unwavering commitment to domestic production is particularly impressive when you consider the potential cost savings that Bag Balm could achieve by shifting its manufacturing overseas. However, the company’s leadership has steadfastly maintained that keeping Bag Balm “Made in the USA” is a core part of its identity and values.

In an age where so many businesses are tempted by the siren song of globalization, Vermont’s Original Bag Balm stands tall as a stalwart defender of American manufacturing. And for that, they deserve the admiration and support of patriotic consumers everywhere.

Other Patriotic Businesses

Here are a few other companies (BUT NOT MANY) that seem to have a publicly-stated commitment to domestic manufacturing, similar to Vermont’s Original Bag Balm:

1. Darn Tough Vermont — This sock company produces all of its socks in Northfield, Vermont, using 100% domestic materials and labor. They emphasize their “Made in Vermont” and “Made in the USA” branding.
2. Red Wing Shoes — This iconic American footwear brand has been manufacturing shoes in the United States since 1905. They operate several domestic production facilities, primarily in Minnesota.
3. Lodge Cast Iron — This cookware company has been producing its cast iron pans, skillets, and other products in South Pittsburg, Tennessee since 1896. They proudly market themselves as a “Made in the USA” brand.
4. Carhartt — While not exclusively domestic, this workwear brand manufactures a significant portion of its products, including jackets, pants, and shirts, in facilities across the United States.
5. Shinola — Based in Detroit, this lifestyle brand focuses on manufacturing watches, leather goods, and other products within the United States, often highlighting their American craftsmanship.
6. New Balance — This athletic shoe and apparel company operates manufacturing facilities in Maine and Massachusetts, producing a line of their shoes domestically.
7. American Giant — Specializing in premium casual clothing, this brand manufactures the majority of its products, including hoodies and t-shirts, in the United States.

These companies, like Vermont’s Original Bag Balm, have made a concerted effort to maintain domestic manufacturing as a core part of their business model and brand identity, even as many of their competitors have shifted production overseas. This commitment to American-made goods is increasingly rare but still admired by many consumers.

The reasons so few companies manufacture in the U.S. are many, but one stands out as the main force driving businesses and manufacturing offshore.

The impact of labor unions and higher wages for American workers is the key reason that has driven many companies to shift manufacturing overseas. Let me expand on that:

One of the primary economic incentives for companies to move production outside the United States is the significantly lower labor costs available in many foreign countries, especially developing nations.

In the US, the strength of labor unions and worker protections has grown so strong that they have forced unreasonable higher hourly wages, benefits, and overall unmanageable labor expenses on domestic businesses compared to less regulated environments abroad. These costs are simply unsustainable and force companies to move their operations to other countries.

This disparity in labor costs is a major financial burden, particularly for industries that are highly labor-intensive. Companies looking to maximize or even increase profits and remain competitive are often tempted to relocate manufacturing to regions where they can pay workers a fraction of what domestic union labor demands.

And when I say “demand,” that’s exactly what it is. You pay, or they shut you down, regardless if workers and the US lose jobs and it harms the economy and country. At least the cartels…or I mean the unions get their money.

The prospect of these cost savings, which can translate directly to the bottom line, makes it challenging for American manufacturers like Vermont’s Original Bag Balm to keep production within the country’s borders.

However, Vermont’s Original Bag Balm has steadfastly resisted this trend, prioritizing their commitment to the local Vermont economy and American manufacturing over pure profit maximization. This principled stance, in the face of the significant financial incentives to offshore, is a key part of what makes their patriotic business practices so admirable and worthy of recognition.

Not all companies have been willing to make that same tradeoff.

So in the face of all this, I hope we can all support Bag Balm and companies like them and implement the same patriotic business practices in our own small business operations.

For insights on building brand loyalty and cultivating timeless relationships with your customers, check out a past article: How John Deere Built Timeless Loyalty Through Its Green Legacy.

For further information about leaving a legacy, read: How High Standards, Integrity, and Reliability Build Authority for Your Business.

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For a practical guide to promote Traditional American Values: 20 Ways to Infuse Your Marketing with Strong Work Ethics and Traditional American Values download the guide HERE.