Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing | Official Podcast Series
Welcome to the official podcast feed of the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM)—where we share real stories, regional updates, and industry insights from across Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing landscape. Our channel features multiple series, including: 🎙️ Made in Southwest Virginia – Spotlighting the companies, innovations, and people powering manufacturing across our region. 🎧 Why Manufacturing – Real conversations with manufacturers at every career stage, from new hires to seasoned experts, revealing what makes this industry so rewarding. 📰 Member News Update – Quick updates and announcements from SVAM members, highlighting local wins, initiatives, and opportunities. Whether you're a student, educator, job seeker, manufacturer, or community partner, these episodes will keep you informed and inspired about the role of manufacturing in Southwest Virginia’s economy and future. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes and hear how we’re building the future—right here in SWVA. #Manufacturing #SWVA #MadeInSWVA #WhyManufacturing #WorkforceDevelopment #IndustryInnovation #CareerPathways #SVAMPodcast
Episodes
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company in Glade Spring, Virginia—a key production site for one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of durable, dry-type trailers for the freight and transportation industry.
Get an inside look at how Utility Trailer blends precision manufacturing, continuous improvement, and skilled craftsmanship to build the dry van trailers that keep America ...
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company in Atkins, Virginia—a key production site for one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of durable, high-performance trailers for the freight and transportation industry.
Get an inside look at how Utility Trailer blends precision manufacturing, continuous improvement, and skilled craftsmanship to build the refrigerated and dry van trailers...
Welcome to the Q4 2025 edition of the SVAM Member News Update! In this episode, we cover the latest manufacturing milestones, community engagement, and workforce development efforts from across Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing sector.
Highlights include:
- $35 million expansion at VFP, Inc. in Duffield
- A powerful student literacy initiative from Somic America in Wytheville
- Tate, Inc.’s new facility launch in Lebanon
- Innovation a...
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we feature Universal Fibers in Bristol, Virginia—a global leader in the production of solution-dyed synthetic fibers used in a wide range of industries including automotive, flooring, and textiles.
With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and customization, Universal Fibers sets the standard for high-performance, environmentally responsible products. From recycled content to cutting-edg...
In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we highlight VFP, Inc. of Duffield, Virginia — winner of the 2025 Community Impact Award.
From painting school gyms and supporting Habitat for Humanity, to donating tens of thousands in trade materials and hiring over 60 graduates from Mountain Empire Community College, VFP’s community engagement runs deep.
We speak with Bill Regert, Environmental Health and Safety Director at VFP, about how service bec...
In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we feature Real Performance Machinery (RPM) of Independence, Virginia — winner of the 2025 Environmental Excellence Award.
We speak with Craig Hensdell, Operations Manager at RPM, about how the company has made sustainability a core part of its manufacturing strategy. From reclaiming coolant and reducing offcuts to employee-led initiatives and local sourcing, RPM is setting a new standard for what envi...
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’t just meet the standard — it sets it. Through clear expectations, daily accountability, and a team-driven culture, VFP empowers every employee to take ownership of safety. From innovative incentives to real-time tracking, their system works because their people believe in it.
Hear how V...
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 local organizations and individuals.
From school sponsorships to emergency relief efforts, Hitachi Energy’s impact reaches far beyond the walls of their facility. Their nomination came directly from the people they’ve supported — including a touching example of employees raising funds t...
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 2025 Manufacturer of the Year Award. Known for their customizable, prefabricated structures that serve critical infrastructure across the country, VFP stood out for more than just production numbers.
We speak with Bill Regert, Director of Environmental Health & Safety at VFP, about t...
Strongwell of Bristol, Virginia took home the 2025 Innovations in Manufacturing Award for a product six years in the making: Strongdek — a structural decking system that redefines what’s possible with fiber-reinforced polymer.
In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we explore how Strongwell combined pultrusion and extrusion, overcame technical hurdles, and positioned their new product for a $4 billion market. We speak with Barry Myers, Corp...
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight United Salt Corporation in Saltville, Virginia, where history and innovation come together to produce high-quality salt for agricultural, commercial, and industrial use.
Rooted in a community long known for salt production, United Salt continues this legacy with modern operations, committed to quality, consistency, and customer service. From ice control and water conditioning ...
This 2025 Southwest Virginia Manufacturing Awards Spotlight episode highlights the incredible story of Chris Viers, General Manager at West River Conveyors and winner of the 2025 Manufacturing Employee of the Year award presented by the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing.
We share the story that earned Chris this well-deserved honor — from stepping into leadership during a company crisis, to guiding recovery efforts after...
In this Q3 2025 edition of SVAM Member News Update, we’re highlighting powerful stories of innovation, leadership, and community from across Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing sector.
This episode features:
- A heartwarming act of support from Hitachi Energy’s Bland facility
- New national recognition for Simmons Equipment and Wolf Hills Fabricators
- SVAM member companies competing in the 2025 Virginia Manufacturing Cup
- And more
Whet...
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Thomas Industrial Fabrication, based in Floyd, Virginia—a company known for engineering and fabricating custom machinery and material handling systems that power productivity across industries.
Whether it’s building belt and drag conveyors, integrating third-party components, or designing solutions from scratch, Thomas Industrial Fabrication provides full-service support from ...
In this episode of Why Manufacturing, a podcast from the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM), we talk with Peyton Spencer of Hitachi Energy in Bland, Virginia.
Peyton shares how she found her place in manufacturing, the unexpected lessons learned on the job, and the sense of pride that comes from building something that powers the world. From early challenges to big wins, Peyton gives us an inside look at what it me...
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Tempur Production USA in Duffield, Virginia, where some of the world’s most recognized sleep products are made with innovation, precision, and care.
As a major manufacturer of Tempur-Pedic mattresses and pillows, the Duffield facility plays a vital role in delivering comfort to customers around the globe. We explore how their team blends cutting-edge technology with quality cr...
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, Virginia to explore the art and science behind one of the world’s most iconic products—the bourbon barrel.
Our guest is Josh Chandler, Production Operations Manager at Speyside Bourbon Cooperage, where white oak and open flame are transformed into precision-crafted barrels that help shap...
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we highlight Thomas Automation Management in Woodlawn, Virginia, a company specializing in advanced automation, engineering, and control systems that drive productivity and innovation across industries.
From designing custom automation solutions to improving safety and efficiency on production floors, Thomas Automation is helping manufacturers embrace the future of smart manufacturing. We ...
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, Virginia to explore the art and science behind one of the world’s most iconic products—the bourbon barrel.
Our guest is Josh Chandler, Production Operations Manager at Speyside Bourbon Cooperage, where white oak and open flame are transformed into precision-crafted barrels that help shap...
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Tate, Inc. in St. Paul, Virginia—a leading manufacturer known for its innovative raised access flooring and infrastructure solutions that support data centers, cleanrooms, commercial buildings, and more.
Tate has made a name for itself by combining precision manufacturing with a strong focus on sustainability, performance, and customer-driven design. Join us as we explore how ...
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