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 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 ...
In this episode of Why Manufacturing, the podcast from the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM), we talk with Jim Allison, Business Development leader at Simmons Equipment Company in Lebanon, VA.
Jim brings over four decades of manufacturing experience, from engineering and plant management to global safety leadership. He reflects on the lessons learned through mergers, mentorship, and machines rolling out the door, ...
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Tadano Mantis, a world-class manufacturer of telescopic boom crawler cranes based in Richlands, Virginia.
Known for their engineering excellence, safety innovation, and commitment to quality, Tadano Mantis plays a key role in lifting operations around the globe—from construction to energy and beyond. We explore how their talented team in Southwest Virginia builds powerful mach...
In this episode of Why Manufacturing, the podcast from the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM), we sit down with Lisa Jones, a recently retired HR and safety leader whose 20+ year career left a lasting impact on manufacturing in our region.
From her start in sales and staffing to overseeing HR and safety in manufacturing plants, Lisa’s journey is one of growth, resilience, and people-first leadership. Along the way,...
In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we visit Strongwell’s headquarters in Bristol, Virginia—home to the world’s leading manufacturer of pultruded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Discover how this advanced material is replacing steel, wood, and concrete in everything from bridges and cooling towers to railings and building panels. Learn how Strongwell’s innovation is reshaping infrastructure with durability, sustainability, an...
Today on Why Manufacturing, we’re talking with Ryan Miller from General Dynamics Mission Systems in Marion, Virginia. Ryan is a Program Manager supporting advanced communications systems for the U.S. military. He’s relatively new to manufacturing but brings a strong background in leadership, logistics, and software systems from his time in the Navy and defense tech sector.
In this episode, we’ll talk about what it’s like t...
In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we head to Glade Spring, Virginia, where the Speyside Bourbon Stave Mill transforms white oak logs into precision-cut staves—the building blocks of bourbon barrels. Discover how this facility supports the bourbon industry by producing high-quality wood components that shape the taste and character of every batch. It’s a story of local craftsmanship, sustainable forestry, and the quiet art behind bold ...
In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we explore the artistry and precision behind bourbon barrel production at Speyside Bourbon Cooperage in Atkins, Virginia. Discover how this facility blends time-honored coopering traditions with modern manufacturing techniques to create the white oak barrels that shape the flavor of America’s signature spirit. From controlled charring to careful construction, every barrel is a crucial part of the bour...
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 a feeder-stacker, and over the past decade she’s worked nearly every position on the line—earning her way to the leadership role she holds today.
Kelly shares what it was like trading unpredictable fast-food shifts for steady manufacturing work, the mindset that kept her climbing, and h...
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Special T Manufacturing, a custom machining and fabrication company based in Meadowview, Virginia. Known for their precision, reliability, and commitment to customer service, Special T serves a wide range of industries—all while maintaining a strong local footprint in Southwest Virginia.
We explore how their team approaches problem-solving, the pride they take in craftsmanship...
In this episode of Why Manufacturing?, we talk with Brooke Eskridge, a welder at Utility Trailer Manufacturing in Glade Spring, VA. Brooke shares how she found purpose in the welding bay—skipping college, embracing hands-on work, and building a career with real pride.
She walks us through her daily routine, the small wins that add up, and how mentorship shaped her journey. Brooke also opens up about breaking industry myths, especial...
In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we spotlight Simmons Equipment Company, a leader in mining machinery with operations in Tazewell and Lebanon, Virginia. Discover how this innovative manufacturer is designing and building the equipment that makes mining safer, smarter, and more efficient. From battery-powered haulers to high-tech control systems, Simmons is helping shape the future of soft-rock mining—all from the heart of Southwest V...
In this quarterly edition of the SVAM Member News Update, we bring you stories of growth, creativity, and community impact from across Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing sector. Discover how Hapco Pole Products reached the White House, how Somic America is investing in future talent, and how Simmons Equipment is expanding its international footprint. We also highlight sustainability efforts from Universal Fibers, infrastructure inn...
Welcome to Why Manufacturing, a podcast series from the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing, where we share real stories from the people powering our region’s most essential industry.
In this episode we sit down with Logan Hicks of Real Performance Machinery to explore what keeps him energized and engaged in his manufacturing career.
Logan shares how he went from exploring career options to finding a true sense of purpose i...
In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we explore SIG’s Chilhowie facility, where flexible packaging solutions are engineered for a global market. Learn how this advanced manufacturing site contributes to safer, more sustainable packaging for food, beverage, and industrial products. From bag-in-box formats to spouted pouches, SIG is helping revolutionize the way goods are packaged and consumed—all from the heart of Southwest Virginia.
Welcome to Why Manufacturing, a podcast series from the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing, where we share real stories from the people powering our region’s most essential industry.
In this episode, we talk with Levi McKinnon of Real Performance Machinery—a rising talent early in his manufacturing career. Levi walks us through a typical day on the job, shares what surprised him most when entering the industry, and reflec...
In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we visit Shearer’s Foods in Bristol, Virginia—one of the region’s leading snack food manufacturers. Learn how this bustling facility produces everything from potato chips to tortilla snacks for homes across the country. Discover how a company with humble roots became a powerhouse in private-label snack manufacturing, all while supporting local jobs and committing to sustainability. Whether you're...
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we feature Samuel Pressure Vessel Group in Southwest Virginia—a global leader in the design and manufacturing of high-quality pressure vessels and engineered products. Known for their commitment to safety, precision, and performance, Samuel PVG serves critical sectors such as energy, chemical processing, and industrial manufacturing.
Join us as we explore how their engineering expertise, r...
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Real Performance Machinery in Independence, Virginia—this year’s recipient of the Innovation in Manufacturing Award at SVAM’s Manufacturing Awards Banquet. 🏆
Specializing in custom machinery and automation solutions, Real Performance Machinery is redefining what’s possible in industrial equipment design. We discuss how their cutting-edge engineering, problem-solving mindset, ...
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