In recent years, manufacturers across the U.S. have faced challenges sourcing fasteners. As global supply chains continue to experience disruption, and tariffs pose increasing costs for manufacturers to import goods from other countries. U.S. manufacturers are looking to reshore critical components for industries including aerospace, automotive, and heavy machinery. These parts are essential to every product made in America, but for years the fastener industry has relied on imports from other countries. Now that is changing.
Compliance and Safety
U.S. fastener manufacturers have strict protocols and standards like ASTM, ISO and AS that must be maintained. These standards ensure quality and traceability which are vital to many applications like aerospace and automotive.
Build America, Buy America (BABA)
BABA is a U.S. federal initiative aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chains by requiring that federal infrastructure projects use American-made materials and products. Enacted to support American workers and businesses, BABA sets strict guidelines for the sourcing of steel, iron, manufactured goods, and construction materials, ensuring that taxpayer-funded projects prioritize U.S. suppliers and contribute to the growth of the domestic economy.
Investing in the U.S. Economy
Using American fastener manufacturers helps strengthen the U.S. economy, creating jobs and helping improve our industrial resources. U.S. production also encourages manufacturers to invest in innovation, automation, and utilize alternative materials. Using local manufacturers reduces the carbon footprint from shipping and transportation, as well as lowering the costs of raw materials due to new tariffs.
In a recent YouTube video, Destin Sandlin, creator of the “Smarter Every Day” channel, delved into the complexities of U.S. manufacturing by embarking on a project to create a high-quality grill scrubber entirely sourced and produced in the United States. Collaborating with John Youngblood of JJGeorge, Sandlin aimed to design a durable, bristle-free grill brush using welded chain mail, a safer alternative to traditional wire-bristle brushes. The project faced significant challenges, including sourcing domestically produced components and building injection molds in-house, as many manufacturers had shifted production overseas. Despite these obstacles, the team successfully developed the “Smarter Scrubber,” a premium grill brush priced at $75. The initial production run sold out within a day, underscoring the demand for American-made products. This endeavor not only highlighted the importance of revitalizing domestic manufacturing but also showcased the potential for innovation and quality in U.S.-based production. Omni Fasteners was proud to provide fasteners for the Smarter Scrubber. Watch the video here
If you need custom fastener solutions and are looking for U.S. manufacturers instead of sourcing overseas, Omni is here to help. We produce a variety of custom fasteners in many different materials and sizes. Talk to our team about how U.S.-based manufacturing can enhance your supply chain, improve lead times and inventory, and more.