Made In Massachusetts

Recently Bristol Community College hosted a “Made in America” focal event. With all the headlines stemming right from the White House about bringing jobs home, reverting to local manufacturing, Massachusetts decided it was time to educate just what the Bay State has to offer.

The MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) collaborated with Urban Manufacturing Alliance (UMA) to bring together stakeholders from across the textile design and manufacturing ecosystem of Massachusetts and the surrounding regions.

The FREE event was a full 9-5 work schedule that featured much needed coffee, breakfast and lunch, personal speakers, breakout sessions of discussion tied to solutions, and networking. MC for the gathering was Joshua Croke with Mass Development.

The day got right into it with key-note speaker Rachel Slade. An award winning Author there to discuss her latest book release, “Making It in America.” A moving and eye-opening look at the story of manufacturing in America, whether it can ever successfully return to our shores, and why our nation depends on it, told through the experience of one young couple in Maine as they attempt to rebuild a lost industry, ethically. With the state of the economy, a must read!

Following, local representatives were given an opportunity to share their experiences with attendees on the struggles and opportunities of New England manufacturing. The following shared a five-minute breakdown of their business. In Canton Ma, Draper Knitting Company specializes in knitted high pile, jersey, double knits, napped fleece, single sided terry and nonwoven fabrics for fashion, performance, industrial and safety applications. Providence RI, Nterprisers is an all-in-one platform highlighting all local manufacturers to build connections and strengthen the entire local manufacturing community. Everette Mill Building Lawrence Ma, ReFleece, a husband-wife team committed to brilliant design and sustainable practices. The primary material in our products is “used up” outdoor performance wear. The fabric in these products is often well engineered and built to last. They divert these items from the waste stream and turn them once again into something of value. Fall River Ma, Whaler Knits who have been made in the USA since 1838.

Worcester Ma, Wavvz NewAge Creative Lab A 501(c)(3) Bilingual Fashion & Arts Program inspiring the next generation through fashion and visual arts in a dynamic, community-driven space. Also, one talented dynamic designer as I have covered many of his shows. Closing out the presentations was Gregory Molinar the Community and Growth Director for Vanson Leathers Fall River, Ma. A company that has continued to handcraft motorcycle riding and racing apparel in Massachusetts, USA, since 1974. Recently notable for, being worn by DJ Mustard at the halftime performance of the 2025 Super Bowl.

Ladies, this one is for you! We even have a handbag manufacture stitching Italian leather. During intermission I met Ian Clegg. Son of brand name “Frank Clegg.” Who are focal on crafting a responsible future with sustainable leather products, ethically sourced material, environmentally conscious production right here in the South Coast of Massachusetts since 1970. Who knew we had so many Mass Manufacturers?

The highlight of the day was an interactive panel with priceless insight and moderator Rachel Slade. Experts in seats were Kristy Grignon with MassMEP. In Auburn Ma, they deliver consulting services, applied learning programs, and custom solutions tailored to small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses to fuel their success. Meg DeCubellis with Accurate Services. Fall River Ma, a family owned and operated contract apparel manufacturer and fulfillment center, thriving for decades in the birthplace of the American sewing industry. Sasha Stalyrov with AAFOA, Lowell Ma. Rekindling the domestic textile industry by leading a nationwide enterprise for advanced fiber & fabric technology development and manufacturing. Stephanie Munoz with Mpoze Fashion. Boston Ma, A groundbreaking fashion internship program at Mpóze Fashion LLC, providing opportunities for the next generation of creative talent. Stephanie is also the founder of Suited for Fashion, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering underserved and underrepresented youth in the arts community.

Moderator Slade started off with a few personal intriguing thoughts and then dug right into the minds of the panel. Asking questions at the heart of the matter such as How do we rebuild connections, how do we recreate the business? Following with, the future of fashion and textiles. Now that there has been changes to production demands at the highest of government levels, what’s next for Massachusetts manufacturing? Continuing with recycling and repurposing, Moderator Slade puts it in the panels hands on how to handle the current global crisis of waste. Closing with investing in infrastructure, giving each expect an opportunity to speak on “ What is the Investment You Would Like Seen Made?”

After the room was opened for questions and comments. One came from Bill Sedoma, Owner of Fall River Apparel. He shared his concerns as a local manufacturer and the struggles he sees, the hope he has after listening and attending the event. The audience was packed with those that make up the matter of the Massachusetts community. School of Fashion Design Executive Director Jennifer Laclere owns her place in the future success here in the state. She asks the panel, “What is it You Need From Us?”

The answers were inspiring, a well sewn wave of knowledge. It was one of those life situations where you had to be there to experience the education. However, the event was “manufactured” to motivate the masses. Have those in attendance run away screaming “We Make this in Massachusetts.” There it is, the Old Bay State is still in full swing and interestingly enough looking for workers to get out on the floor and use their hands to help create custom “Made in Massachusetts” goods. Reach out to any of the above and help make the “Mass” mark.

The Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) is MassDevelopment’s signature place-based economic development program for Gateway City downtowns and commercial districts—places that have extensive cultural and community capital, and that, post-industrialization, will benefit from greater access to economic capital and wealth-building opportunities for residents. www.massdevolpment.com

The Urban Manufacturing Alliance (UMA) works to transform manufacturing ecosystems into drivers of just and equitable development that puts communities first. By convening a diverse network of partners to learn, share, co-design, and scale solutions, they act as a force multiplier for manufacturing-centered economic development strategies in which people, places, businesses, and the planet can thrive. www.urbanmfg.org GET INVOLVED to make Massachusetts thrive!

Published in Boston Post Gazette

http://www.bostonpostgazette.com/gazette%205-30-25.pdf