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 MadeInSWVA, we visit Special-T Manufacturing in Meadowview, Virginia, a company producing custom electrical components that help power modern infrastructure. From flex-braid connectors and bus bars to wiring harness assemblies, machining, welding, and electroplating, Special-T creates the behind-the-scenes parts that help electricity move safely and reliably through power distribution, data transmission, manufact...
Welcome to the Q2 2026 edition of the SVAM Member News Update, your quarterly roundup of the latest news, achievements, and workforce initiatives from manufacturers across Southwest Virginia.
In this episode, we celebrate member accomplishments including Hapco Pole Products' Virginia Manufacturing Cup recognition, Strongwell's innovative rail freight collaboration, Mohawk Industries' impressive safety milestone, and community ...
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight General Dynamics Mission Systems in Marion, Virginia—a facility that supports the development and production of advanced technologies for defense, aerospace, and national security applications.
From precision manufacturing and rigorous quality standards to cutting-edge engineering, the Marion team plays an important role in delivering mission-critical products that suppo...
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Somic America in Wytheville, Virginia, a leading supplier to the automotive manufacturing market. Somic America specializes in the engineering, design, and manufacturing of high-quality ball joints for suspension and steering systems and rotary dampers for seat and tailgate applications.
With more than 35 years serving the North and South American automotive markets, Som...
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight XCal Tools in Bristol, Virginia—a manufacturer specializing in high-performance cutting tools and precision tooling solutions for a variety of industries.
From custom tool design to advanced manufacturing processes, XCal Tools helps customers improve efficiency, quality, and productivity. Their commitment to innovation, precision, and customer service has made them a tru...
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Wolf Hills Fabricators in Abingdon, Virginia—a leading provider of structural steel fabrication serving commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects across the region and beyond.
Known for their commitment to quality, precision, and craftsmanship, Wolf Hills Fabricators transforms raw steel into the critical components that support everything from buildings and br...
In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we visit West River Conveyors in Oakwood, Virginia—a company building custom conveyor systems and heavy-duty conveyor components for industries that keep the world moving.
From underground mining operations to overland material handling systems, West River designs and fabricates the equipment that helps transport coal, aggregates, sand, gravel, salt, potash, and other essential materials safely a...
Peyton Spencer didn’t set out to work in manufacturing—but an internship quickly changed everything.
In this episode of How I Got Here: Manufacturing, Peyton shares how a communications major turned into a dynamic career spanning marketing, quality control, data analysis, HR, and process improvement. Along the way, she discovered the wide range of opportunities available in modern manufacturing—and found a role tha...
Welcome to the Q1 2026 edition of the SVAM Member News Update, your quarterly look at the latest developments across Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing community.
In this episode, we highlight major investments in advanced manufacturing and additive technologies, including a $6 million regional initiative aimed at creating new jobs and strengthening the talent pipeline. We also celebrate AQ Transformer Solutions for comp...
In this wrap-up episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we reflect on the 2026 Women of Manufacturing Symposium and the Outstanding Women of Manufacturing series, highlighting the many career paths that make up Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing industry.
From administrative support and production to leadership roles, this episode brings together the key themes from across the series and explores how these roles connect to keep ma...
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we highlight the Management category from the 2026 Outstanding Women of Manufacturing Awards, presented during the Women of Manufacturing Symposium in Abingdon, Virginia.
Management roles in manufacturing go far beyond titles—they connect people, processes, and performance. From overseeing production and guiding engineering teams to managing supply chains and supporting employees, th...
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we highlight the Hourly and Production category from the 2026 Outstanding Women of Manufacturing Awards, presented during the Women of Manufacturing Symposium in Abingdon, Virginia.
From machine operation and quality inspection to logistics and safety, production roles are where materials are transformed into finished products. These careers require skill, precision, and teamwork—and...
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we highlight the Administrative Support category from the 2026 Outstanding Women of Manufacturing Awards, presented during the Women of Manufacturing Symposium in Abingdon, Virginia.
Administrative professionals play a critical role in manufacturing operations across Southwest Virginia. From accounting and scheduling to logistics coordination and customer support, these roles help ensure t...
In this special episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we take listeners inside the 2026 Women of Manufacturing Symposium hosted by the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Virginia.
Held during Women’s History Month, the event brought together manufacturing professionals, students, and community leaders from across Southwest Virginia to celebrate the women h...
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight SunCoke Energy in Vansant, Virginia, a key producer of high-quality metallurgical coke that powers the steelmaking industry across the country.
Operating advanced heat recovery coke-making technology, SunCoke’s Vansant facility plays an essential role in supporting domestic steel production while maintaining a strong focus on safety, environmental stewardship, and operat...
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Westlake Royal Building Products in Marion, Virginia—a leading manufacturer of high-quality exterior and interior building materials trusted across North America.
From durable siding and trim to innovative building solutions, the Marion facility plays a vital role in producing products that shape homes and communities. We explore how Westlake Royal combines advanced manu...
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 k...
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 ...
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 lau...
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 cutti...
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