Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing | Official Podcast Series
Episodes
Women in Manufacturing – A Look at Careers Across Southwest Virginia #MadeInSWVA
10 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this wrap-up episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we reflect on the 2026 Women of Manufacturing Symposium and the Outstanding Women of Manufacturing...
Leadership Roles Driving Manufacturing in Southwest Virginia #MadeInSWVA
03 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we highlight the Management category from the 2026 Outstanding Women of Manufacturing Awards, presented du...
The Hands-On Roles Powering Manufacturing in Southwest Virginia #MadeInSWVA
28 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we highlight the Hourly and Production category from the 2026 Outstanding Women of Manufacturing Awards, p...
Administrative Roles That Keep Manufacturing Moving in Southwest Virginia #MadeInSWVA
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we highlight the Administrative Support category from the 2026 Outstanding Women of Manufacturing Awards, ...
Inside the 2026 Women of Manufacturing Symposium #MadeInSWVA
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we take listeners inside the 2026 Women of Manufacturing Symposium hosted by the Southwest Virgini...
SunCoke Energy—Fueling Industry from Vansant, VA #MadeInSWVA
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight SunCoke Energy in Vansant, Virginia, a key producer of high-quality metallurgical coke that p...
Westlake Royal Building Products—Building Strength and Innovation in Marion, VA #MadeInSWVA
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Westlake Royal Building Products in Marion, Virginia—a leading manufacturer of high-quality...
Utility Trailer Glade – Building the Backbone of American Freight in Glade Spring, VA #MadeInSWVA
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company in Glade Spring, Virginia—a key production site for o...
Utility Trailer—Driving Innovation and Craftsmanship in Atkins, VA #MadeInSWVA
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company in Atkins, Virginia—a key production site for one of ...
SVAM Member News Update—Quarter 4, 2025
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the Q4 2025 edition of the SVAM Member News Update! In this episode, we cover the latest manufacturing milestones, community engagement, an...
SVAM Member Spotlight: Vaughan-Bassett Furniture—Crafting Quality and Tradition in Galax, VA
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we visit Vaughan-Bassett Furniture in Galax, Virginia—a company known for its American-made bedroom furn...
SVAM Member Spotlight: Universal Fibers—Innovation and Sustainability in Every Strand
02 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we feature Universal Fibers in Bristol, Virginia—a global leader in the production of solution-dyed synt...
2025 Manufacturing Awards Spotlight – VFP, Inc., Community Impact Award
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we highlight VFP, Inc. of Duffield, Virginia — winner of the 2025 Community Impact Award.From painting school gyms an...
2025 Manufacturing Awards Spotlight – Real Performance Machinery, Environmental Excellence Award
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we feature Real Performance Machinery (RPM) of Independence, Virginia — winner of the 2025 Environmental Excellence A...
2025 Manufacturing Awards Spotlight – VFP, Inc., Excellence in Safety Award
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we feature VFP, Inc. of Duffield, Virginia, winner of the 2025 Excellence in Safety Award.VFP’s safety program doesn’...
2025 Manufacturing Awards Spotlight – Hitachi Energy, Community Choice Award
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we shine a spotlight on Hitachi Energy of Bland, Virginia — winner of the 2025 Community Choice Award, as selected by...
2025 Manufacturing Awards Spotlight – VFP, Inc., Manufacturer of the Year
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it take to become Manufacturer of the Year?In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we spotlight VFP, Inc. of Duffield, Virginia, the winner of the 20...
2025 Manufacturing Awards Spotlight – Strongwell, Inc., Innovations in Manufacturing Award
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Strongwell of Bristol, Virginia took home the 2025 Innovations in Manufacturing Award for a product six years in the making: Strongdek — a structura...
United Salt - Centuries of Craftsmanship, Grounded in Saltville, VA
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight United Salt Corporation in Saltville, Virginia, where history and innovation come together to...
2025 Manufacturing Awards Spotlight - Manufacturing Employee of the Year
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This 2025 Southwest Virginia Manufacturing Awards Spotlight episode highlights the incredible story of Chris Viers, General Manager at West River Conv...
SVAM Member News Update—Quarter 3, 2025
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Q3 2025 edition of SVAM Member News Update, we’re highlighting powerful stories of innovation, leadership, and community from across Southwe...
Thomas Industrial Fabrication—Custom Solutions Built in Floyd, VA
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Thomas Industrial Fabrication, based in Floyd, Virginia—a company known for engineering and...
Why Manufacturing: Pride, Progress, and Purpose with Peyton Spencer at Hitachi Energy
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Why Manufacturing, a podcast from the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM), we talk with Peyton Spencer of Hitachi ...
Tempur Production—Crafting Comfort with Precision in Duffield, VA
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Tempur Production USA in Duffield, Virginia, where some of the world’s most recognized slee...
Why Manufacturing: Barrel Craft, Leadership, and Quality You Can Taste with Josh Chandler (2/2)
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the second of a two-part-episode of Why Manufacturing, a podcast by the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM), we head to Atkins, Vi...
Thomas Automation Management—Engineering Efficiency Through Innovation
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we highlight Thomas Automation Management in Woodlawn, Virginia, a company specializing in advanced automa...
Why Manufacturing: Barrel Craft, Leadership, and Quality You Can Taste with Josh Chandler (1/2)
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this first of a two-part-episode of Why Manufacturing, a podcast by the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM), we head to Atkins, Vi...
Tate, Inc.—Elevating Manufacturing Through Innovation and Infrastructure
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Tate, Inc. in St. Paul, Virginia—a leading manufacturer known for its innovative raised acc...
Why Manufacturing: Growth, Leadership, and the Long Game with Jim Allison
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Why Manufacturing, the podcast from the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM), we talk with Jim Allison, Business De...
Tadano Mantis—Lifting Innovation and Precision in Richlands, VA
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Tadano Mantis, a world-class manufacturer of telescopic boom crawler cranes based in Richland...
Why Manufacturing: Leadership, Safety, and a Legacy of Care with Lisa Jones
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Why Manufacturing, the podcast from the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM), we sit down with Lisa Jones, a recent...
Built to Last: How Strongwell Reinforces America with Composite Innovation
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we visit Strongwell’s headquarters in Bristol, Virginia—home to the world’s leading manufacturer of pultruded fib...
From Uniform to Program Manager: Ryan Miller’s Path into Manufacturing
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today on Why Manufacturing, we’re talking with Ryan Miller from General Dynamics Mission Systems in Marion, Virginia. Ryan is a Program Manager supp...
From Forest to Flavor: Inside Speyside’s Stave Mill in Glade Spring
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we head to Glade Spring, Virginia, where the Speyside Bourbon Stave Mill transforms white oak logs into precision-cut s...
Barrel by Barrel: The Craft of Bourbon Aging at Speyside Cooperage in Atkins
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we explore the artistry and precision behind bourbon barrel production at Speyside Bourbon Cooperage in Atkins, Virgini...
Why Manufacturing: Seasoned Strength and Leadership with Kelly Boyd
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Why Manufacturing?, we talk with Kelly Boyd, Second-Shift Supervisor at Woodgrain in Marion, VA. Kelly’s journey began in 2013 as...
#MadeInSWVA: Special T Manufacturing—Precision, Passion, and Local Impact in Meadowview, VA
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Special T Manufacturing, a custom machining and fabrication company based in Meadowview, Virg...
Why Manufacturing: Pride, Precision, and Welding with Brooke Eskridge
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Why Manufacturing?, we talk with Brooke Eskridge, a welder at Utility Trailer Manufacturing in Glade Spring, VA. Brooke shares how ...
Underground Innovation: How Simmons Equipment Powers Modern Mining
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we spotlight Simmons Equipment Company, a leader in mining machinery with operations in Tazewell and Lebanon, Virginia....
SVAM Member News Update—Quarter 2, 2025
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this quarterly edition of the SVAM Member News Update, we bring you stories of growth, creativity, and community impact from across Southwest Virgi...
Why Manufacturing: Problem-Solving, Pride, and Purpose in Modern Manufacturing with Logan Hicks
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Why Manufacturing, a podcast series from the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing, where we share real stories from the people pow...
Sealing the Future: SIG’s Flexible Packaging Innovation in Chilhowie
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we explore SIG’s Chilhowie facility, where flexible packaging solutions are engineered for a global market. Learn how...
Why Manufacturing: Growth, Grit, and Getting Started in the Industry with Levi McKinnon
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Why Manufacturing, a podcast series from the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing, where we share real stories from the people pow...
Crunch Time: Shearer’s Foods and the Snack Industry in Bristol
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we visit Shearer’s Foods in Bristol, Virginia—one of the region’s leading snack food manufacturers. Learn how thi...
Samuel Pressure Vessel Group—Engineering Strength and Safety in Southwest Virginia
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we feature Samuel Pressure Vessel Group in Southwest Virginia—a global leader in the design and manufact...
Real Performance Machinery—Award-Winning Innovation from Independence, VA
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Real Performance Machinery in Independence, Virginia—this year’s recipient of the Innovat...
PBE Axell—Innovating Communication and Safety Technology from Southwest Virginia
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we feature PBE Axell, a global leader in communications, safety, and monitoring systems with a strong pres...
Paul’s Fans—Powering Industrial Ventilation from Grundy, Virginia
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we shine a spotlight on Paul’s Fans in Grundy, Virginia—a leading manufacturer of industrial ventilati...
Engineering the Future: Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s High-Performance Materials in Wytheville
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we shine a spotlight on Mitsubishi Chemical Group in Wytheville, Virginia—a global leader in high-performance therm...
Hitachi Energy—SVAM's 2024 Manufacturer of the Year in Southwest Virginia
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we’re proud to feature Hitachi Energy in Bland, Virginia—recipient of the Manufacturer of the Year Awa...
SVAM Member News Update—Quarter 1, 2025
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of SVAM Member News Update, we highlight major investments, facility expansions, safety milestones, and award recognitions from Southw...
#MadeInSWVA: Innovation in Action—Hapco Pole Products Sets the Pace in Manufacturing
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we explore what innovation truly looks like in modern manufacturing—right here in Southwest Virginia. Jo...
#MadeInSWVA: Lawrence Brothers, Inc.—Crafting Custom Solutions Through Metal Fabrication
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Lawrence Brothers, Inc. of Bluefield, Virginia—a company with deep roots in custom metal fa...
#MadeInSWVA: Innovative Millwork Technologies—Crafting Quality and Precision in Chilhowie, VA
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Innovative Millwork Technologies in Chilhowie, Virginia, a leader in custom millwork and arch...
#MadeInSWVA: Hitachi Energy—Powering a Sustainable Future from Bland, VA
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Hitachi Energy in Bland, Virginia, a global leader in energy solutions driving a sustainable ...
#MadeInSWVA: Hapco Pole Products—Illuminating Excellence in Pole Manufacturing
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we shine a spotlight on Hapco Pole Products in Abingdon, Virginia, a leading manufacturer of high-quality ...
#MadeInSWVA: Community Impact—How VFP & Hitachi Energy Support Southwest Virginia
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we explore the community impact of manufacturing with leaders from VFP, Inc. and Hitachi Energy in...
#MadeInSWVA: General Engineering—Precision Manufacturing for Diverse Industries
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we feature General Engineering in Abingdon, Virginia, a trusted name in precision machining and manufactur...
#MadeInSWVA: Darco Southern—Leading the Way in High-Temperature Industrial Solutions
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Darco Southern in Independence, Virginia, a premier manufacturer of high-temperature industri...
#MadeInSWVA: Columbus McKinnon—Lifting the Standards of Industrial Excellence
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we feature Columbus McKinnon in Damascus, Virginia, a global leader in intelligent motion solutions. Speci...
#MadeInSWVA: Coalfield Services—Powering Industries with Precision and Expertise
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we shine a light on Coalfield Services, a trusted name in Wytheville, Virginia, specializing in heavy indu...
#MadeInSWVA: Coperion Corporation—Engineering Excellence in Material Handling Solutions
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Coperion Corporation in Wytheville, Virginia, a global leader in material handling and extrus...
#MadeInSWVA: Cardinal Glass Industries—Shaping the Future of Sustainable Glass Manufacturing
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we feature Cardinal Glass Industries in Abingdon, Virginia, a leader in innovative glass manufacturing. Kn...
#MadeInSWVA: Buchanan Pump Service and Supply - Driving Innovation in Industrial Solutions
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we shine a spotlight on Buchanan Pump Service and Supply, a trusted name in Grundy, Virginia, specializing...
#MadeInSWVA: VFP, Inc.’s Journey to Environmental Excellence
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we celebrate VFP, Inc. of Duffield, Virginia, the proud recipient of this year’s Environmental Excellenc...
#MadeInSWVA: Becker Global America’s Innovative Solutions for Industry
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we explore Becker Global America, headquartered in Bristol, Virginia. Specializing in advanced electrical ...
Stories of Excellence: Award-Winning Environmental Stewardship
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we highlight VFP, Inc. of Duffield, Virginia, a leader in modular structures and environmental stewardship...
Stories of Excellence: Award-Winning Innovation
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we celebrate excellence with Real Performance Machinery in Independence, Virginia. This award-winning manu...
#MadeInSWVA: AQ Transformer Solutions Powering Global Infrastructure
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight AQ Transformer Solutions, a premier manufacturer in Wytheville, Virginia, specializing in cus...
#MadeInSWVA Building Strength: Appalachian Plastics’ Reinforced Solutions from Southwest Virginia
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we dive into Appalachian Plastics, a pioneering company from Glade Spring, Virginia, specializing in fiber...
#MadeInSWVA Ensuring Safety and Innovation: AMR Pemco's Global Impact from Southwest Virginia
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight AMR Pemco, a leading manufacturer based in Bluefield, Virginia. Known for providing cutting-e...
#MadeInSWVA Driving Precision: Atsumi Car Equipment's Global Impact from Southwest Virginia
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the MadeInSWVA podcast, we explore Atsumi Car Equipment, a standout manufacturer located in Wytheville, Virginia. Discover how th...
#MadeInSWVA - Amcor Rigid Packaging: Pioneering Sustainable Manufacturing in Southwest Virginia
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we launch a new series spotlighting the globally impactful companies in Southwest Virginia's manufact...
2021 Manufacturing Awards Winners: Excellence in Safety
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The latest series of SVAM's Made in SWVA podcast features winners of the 2021 Manufacturing Awards presented at our last Manufacturing Awards Ban...
Manufacturing Mythbusters: Caring for More Than the Bottom Dollar
10 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the third installment of our Manufacturing Mythbusters series we are going to bust one of the most pervasive myths about manufacturing: that manufa...
Manufacturing Mythbusters: Jobs in Manufacturing
03 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the second episode of our Manufacturing Mythbusters series, we address many of the myths that are often associated with careers in manufacturing....
Manufacturing Myth Busters: Making a Difference
31 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For this next series we will talk about the many myths associated with manufacturing. You’re going to learn how manufacturing is the largest industr...
Women in Manufacturing: Melinda Roberts
03 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The first series on our podcast features Women in Manufacturing. Through this series, we will speak with several women holding careers in manufactur...
Women in Manufacturing: Melanie Protti-Lawrence
06 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The first series on our podcast features Women in Manufacturing. Through this series, we will speak with several women holding careers in manufactur...
Women in Manufacturing: Christa Glassburn
24 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The first series on our podcast features Women in Manufacturing. Through this series, we will speak with several women holding careers in manufactur...
SVAM's Impact on Southwest Virginia
04 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this interview we will hear from Lennie Gail Mitcham, Executive Director of The Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM). Lennie Gail d...
Women in Manufacturing: Julie Fuller
29 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The first series on our podcast features Women in Manufacturing. Through this series, we will speak with several women holding careers in manufactur...
Manufacturing in Southwest Virginia
09 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we will tell you more about manufacturing in Southwest Virginia, including job opportunities, benefits, and interesting stats.