Advertise on podcast: Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing | Official Podcast Series

Nearly 21,000 manufacturing jobs. About $3.1 billion in regional economic impact. Thousands of workers filling roles that extend far beyond the production floor. But what do those numbers actually mean for Southwest Virginia? In Episode 2 of Made Here: Manufacturing in Southwest Virginia, SVAM looks at the scale and economic importance of manufacturing across our region—and puts the numbers into terms that are easier to understand. We explore how many people work in manufacturing, the wide variety of careers found inside the industry, the economic value manufacturing creates, current workforce demand, and why an experienced manufacturing workforce remains one of Southwest Virginia's regional strengths. The numbers tell an important story: manufacturing isn't simply present in Southwest Virginia. It is deeply connected to our workforce, communities, and regional economy. Made Here: Manufacturing in Southwest Virginia is a four-part Manufacturing Month special from the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing. Learn more about Southwest Virginia manufacturers and manufacturing careers at swvam.org.

What do crawler cranes, pillows, automotive components, transformers, aircraft components, structural steel, pet-care products, and even salt have in common? They're all examples of products made right here in Southwest Virginia. To kick off Manufacturing Month, SVAM is launching Made Here: Manufacturing in Southwest Virginia, a four-part special series exploring the products, people, economic impact, and future of manufacturing across our region. In Episode 1, we take a trip across Southwest Virginia to highlight some of the surprising products being manufactured in our communities, and the industries and supply chains they ultimately serve. From products used in homes and automobiles to equipment supporting energy, construction, mining, and aerospace, the episode offers just a small glimpse of how Southwest Virginia manufacturers connect our region to customers and industries around the world. Made Here: Manufacturing in Southwest Virginia is a four-part Manufacturing Month special from the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing. Learn more about manufacturing companies and careers in Southwest Virginia at swvam.org.

Ranae Anderson once thought she’d become a veterinarian. Instead, a love of chemistry led her to a career in manufacturing and eventually to her role as Global Sustainability Leader at Universal Fibers in Bristol, Virginia. In this episode of How I Got Here: Manufacturing, Ranae shares how she went from studying chemistry at Tuskegee University to becoming a paint chemist, working in technical service, and ultimately building a career that combines science, manufacturing, leadership, and sustainability. She also talks about building credibility as a woman in manufacturing, the importance of mentors, what a global career can look like from Southwest Virginia, and why young people shouldn’t wait until they have their entire career mapped out before taking the next opportunity. Ranae’s story is a great example of just how many directions a career in manufacturing can take.

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Wabtec Elastomers in Wytheville, Virginia, where the team specializes in manufacturing custom elastomeric components for critical applications in rail, industrial, and other markets. The operation produces custom rubber, fabric-reinforced, and metal-bonded solutions using a variety of manufacturing processes and capabilities.  From custom molding and rubber compounding to quality, continuous improvement, and operational excellence, the Wytheville facility brings specialized manufacturing expertise to customers with demanding applications. Tune in to learn more about the products, processes, and people behind this Southwest Virginia manufacturing operation.  Wabtec Longwood Elastomers: www.wabteccorp.com/elastomers Learn about SVAM membership

In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we visit W&W|AFCO Steel’s production facility in Bristol, Virginia, where large-scale structural steel components are fabricated for bridges, commercial buildings, industrial projects, and other major construction applications. Learn how advanced fabrication equipment, skilled craftsmanship, welding, fitting, and quality control come together to create the steel framework behind the built environment. From infrastructure to industry, W&W|AFCO Steel shows how Southwest Virginia manufacturing helps support the structures we rely on every day. W&W | AFCO Steel: www.wwafcosteel.com Learn about SVAM membership

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Spectrum Brands in Blacksburg, Virginia, home to one of the company's largest Global Pet Care manufacturing facilities. For more than 30 years, the Blacksburg team has produced trusted aquatics and companion animal products for well-known brands. From advanced manufacturing and research and development to continuous improvement and workforce development, the Blacksburg facility plays a vital role in delivering innovative pet care products to customers around the world. Join us as we explore how Spectrum Brands combines manufacturing excellence, innovation, and community engagement to make a global impact from Southwest Virginia.  Spectrum Brands: www.spectrumbrands.com Learn about SVAM membership

In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we visit Special-T Manufacturing in Meadowview, Virginia, a company producing custom electrical components that help power modern infrastructure. From flex-braid connectors and bus bars to wiring harness assemblies, machining, welding, and electroplating, Special-T creates the behind-the-scenes parts that help electricity move safely and reliably through power distribution, data transmission, manufacturing, utilities, and alternative energy systems. Discover how precision craftsmanship in Meadowview supports the systems that keep our connected world running. Special-T Manufacturing: specialtmfg.com Learn about SVAM membership

Welcome to the Q2 2026 edition of the SVAM Member News Update, your quarterly roundup of the latest news, achievements, and workforce initiatives from manufacturers across Southwest Virginia.  In this episode, we celebrate member accomplishments including Hapco Pole Products' Virginia Manufacturing Cup recognition, Strongwell's innovative rail freight collaboration, Mohawk Industries' impressive safety milestone, and community engagement efforts from Hitachi Energy. We also highlight workforce initiatives at Simmons Equipment and leadership updates from Universal Fibers.  On the SVAM front, we recap another successful Manufacturing Careers Signing Day, recognize this year's Manufacturing Careers Scholarship recipients, and share updates on student outreach, leadership development, career fairs, and member training opportunities. Finally, we look ahead to SVAM's Annual Meeting and the 2026 Southwest Virginia Manufacturers Expo.  Learn about SVAM membership SVAM Recognizes the Newest Certified TOpX Leaders SVAM Celebrates Students Committing to Manufacturing Careers at Signing Day Event

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight General Dynamics Mission Systems in Marion, Virginia—a facility that supports the development and production of advanced technologies for defense, aerospace, and national security applications. From precision manufacturing and rigorous quality standards to cutting-edge engineering, the Marion team plays an important role in delivering mission-critical products that support customers around the world. Their commitment to innovation, technical excellence, and a highly skilled workforce demonstrates the impact manufacturing in Southwest Virginia has on industries far beyond our region. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at how General Dynamics Mission Systems combines advanced manufacturing, engineering expertise, and continuous improvement to help solve some of today's most complex challenges. General Dynamics Mission Systems: www.gdmissionsystems.com Learn about SVAM membership

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Somic America in Wytheville, Virginia, a leading supplier to the automotive manufacturing market. Somic America specializes in the engineering, design, and manufacturing of high-quality ball joints for suspension and steering systems and rotary dampers for seat and tailgate applications.  With more than 35 years serving the North and South American automotive markets, Somic America combines manufacturing, machining, assembly, and rapid design-change capabilities to support vehicle safety, reliability, and comfort. Tune in to learn how this Southwest Virginia manufacturer is helping keep vehicles performing at their best.

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight XCal Tools in Bristol, Virginia—a manufacturer specializing in high-performance cutting tools and precision tooling solutions for a variety of industries. From custom tool design to advanced manufacturing processes, XCal Tools helps customers improve efficiency, quality, and productivity. Their commitment to innovation, precision, and customer service has made them a trusted partner for manufacturers seeking reliable tooling solutions. Join us as we explore how XCal Tools combines technical expertise, skilled craftsmanship, and a dedication to continuous improvement to support manufacturing success both locally and beyond. XCal Tools: www.xcaltools.com Learn about SVAM membership

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Wolf Hills Fabricators in Abingdon, Virginia—a leading provider of structural steel fabrication serving commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects across the region and beyond. Known for their commitment to quality, precision, and craftsmanship, Wolf Hills Fabricators transforms raw steel into the critical components that support everything from buildings and bridges to complex industrial facilities. We explore how their skilled workforce, advanced fabrication capabilities, and customer-focused approach have made them a trusted partner in the construction industry. Tune in to learn how this Southwest Virginia manufacturer is helping build the structures that keep our communities and economy moving forward. Wolf Hills Fabricators: www.wolfhillsfab.com Learn about SVAM membership

In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we visit West River Conveyors in Oakwood, Virginia—a company building custom conveyor systems and heavy-duty conveyor components for industries that keep the world moving. From underground mining operations to overland material handling systems, West River designs and fabricates the equipment that helps transport coal, aggregates, sand, gravel, salt, potash, and other essential materials safely and efficiently. We explore how conveyor systems work, why they matter, and the role Southwest Virginia manufacturing plays in supporting industries like construction, energy, infrastructure, and agriculture. Along the way, we take a closer look at the engineering, fabrication, and problem-solving that go into building systems designed for some of the toughest industrial environments. 🎧 Listen now to learn how one Southwest Virginia manufacturer helps keep critical supply chains moving. West River Conveyors: www.westriverconveyors.com Learn about SVAM membership

Peyton Spencer didn’t set out to work in manufacturing—but an internship quickly changed everything. In this episode of How I Got Here: Manufacturing, Peyton shares how a communications major turned into a dynamic career spanning marketing, quality control, data analysis, HR, and process improvement. Along the way, she discovered the wide range of opportunities available in modern manufacturing—and found a role that fits her skills and passions. From building social media campaigns to improving processes on the factory floor, Peyton’s story highlights the value of staying open to new opportunities and being willing to learn along the way. If you’ve ever wondered how people actually find their way into manufacturing—or if there’s a place for your skillset in the industry—this episode is a great place to start. Visit https://swvam.org/careers-in-manufacturing to learn how to start your journey!

Welcome to the Q1 2026 edition of the SVAM Member News Update, your quarterly look at the latest developments across Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing community.  In this episode, we highlight major investments in advanced manufacturing and additive technologies, including a $6 million regional initiative aimed at creating new jobs and strengthening the talent pipeline. We also celebrate AQ Transformer Solutions for completing the VALET global trade accelerator program and share updates on VFP, Inc.’s continued expansion, supported by new workforce development funding. On the SVAM side, we recap a strong start to the year, including the 7th Annual Women of Manufacturing Symposium, the launch of a new podcast series spotlighting award winners, and expanded student outreach efforts reaching over 600 students across the region. Plus, updates on leadership training through the TOpX Leadership Lab and additional workforce development programs. 🎧 Tune in to stay informed on the people, programs, and progress shaping manufacturing in Southwest Virginia. 📩 SVAM members: Want to be featured in the next episode? Send your updates to [email protected]. Interested in becoming a member of SVAM? Careers: https://swvam.org/mfgcareers/ Trainings: https://swvam.org/trainings/ Resource Database: https://swvam.org/resource-database/ Become a Member: https://swvam.org/membership/become-a-member/