It took an act as drastic as the Great Recession to happen for many Americans to realize one of the country’s greatest strengths—manufacturing, which leads to innovation and progress—had eroded away over the previous 30 or so years as companies went to far off places to produce their goods for lower costs and, in many cases, lower quality.
When it comes to the resilient flooring, be it linoleum, vinyl, rubber, etc., the category is one of the few industries that can proudly say it has a long and rich American heritage. In fact, when you look at the major producers of resilient, many companies can trace their roots back to the 1800s.
As a retailer or hardwood flooring consumer, have you ever thought about the impact domestic wood manufacturers have—not only in the flooring world we all live in, but on the economy as a whole?
There remains a myth that most tile—especially higher-end tile—is made outside the USA. True, tile is indigenous to areas of the world such as the Mediterranean or Iberian regions where it was popularized first as roofing material (baked clay) and certainly as a decorative covering harkening to the days of the ancient Romans.
Manufacturing is the foundation of economic security, environmental sustainability and a country’s standard of living. In the United States, it employs two-thirds of scientists and engineers, produces 90% of U.S. patents, and represents more than half of our country’s research and development.
Today’s consumer is incredibly educated about what products she wants in her home. By the time she gets to the retail store she’s already visited flooring websites, blogs and message boards; she’s been to manufacturer websites, your store’s website, visited competitor sites, talked to her friends and compared products.
For many, Made in the USA is a sign of product quality, economic investment and some may even venture to say patriotism, and when it comes to buying floors, consumers’ standards and expectations remain the same.
Mention the importance of American-made products among your family, friends and business associates, and you’ll likely create some lively conversation and generate some strong opinions as well; it’s a subject about which many consumers are extremely passionate.
Mannington Commercial is a finalist for the Georgia Manufacturer of the Year award. The award is part of a Manufacturing Appreciation Week developed by the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Technical College System of Georgia.
