Since the last recession of 2003, the topic “Made in the USA” has become a flash point for much heated discussions, and has intensified during the “Great Recession” of 2008. Unfortunately, engineers and industrial designers often avoid this topic, unless they can speak anonymously, for fear of possible repercussions. So I was glad to see topic discussed in the blog of Melanie Conklin (see here).

After reading Melanie Conklin’s post, I agreed with several of her assertions. I do not want the product to fail, and then be forced to purchase a replacement. How is that saving money long term? Sometimes it seems that America is too focused on short-term gains over long-term prosperity.

Even those who initially favored outsourcing of manufacturing are starting to wonder if this is good for America. I was very surprised to read this article in BusinessWeek Recently:

• Andy Grove (Intel): How America Can Create Jobs (Business Week): http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_28/b4186048358596.htm The former Intel chief says “job-centric” leadership and incentives are needed to expand U.S. domestic employment again

Concerning comments on my blog, I allow differing opinions are long as they are not inappropriate comments, such as spam. I am not opposed to overseas manufacturers (I have worked with them myself), although I will usually go the extra mile to link business clients to U.S. manufacturers whenever possible. In one case, I could not locate a U.S. manufacture willing to produce a particular component of a product to my specifications (equipment was shipped overseas several years ago), and located an overseas manufacturer that was very responsive to my request.

What are your thoughts on this topic (pro & con)?