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PODCAST

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing | Official Podcast Series

The Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing

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

business careers

All Episodes

11:36

Why Manufacturing: Growth, Leadership, and the Long...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/09/17

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, all while sharing practical advice for students, job seekers,...

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3:05

Tadano Mantis—Lifting Innovation and Precision in...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/09/12

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 machines that combine strength, mobility, and precision. Tune in ...

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16:12

Why Manufacturing: Leadership, Safety, and a Legacy...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/09/10

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, she helped companies build strong teams, create safer workpl...

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3:17

Built to Last: How Strongwell Reinforces America with...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/09/05

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, and strength—right from Southwest Virginia. Strongwell: www.stro...

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17:32

From Uniform to Program Manager: Ryan Miller’s Path...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/09/03

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 to step into manufacturing from a different industry, how his military ...

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3:01

From Forest to Flavor: Inside Speyside’s Stave Mill...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/08/29

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 flavors. Speyside Bourbon Stave Mill: www.speysidebci.com ...

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2:47

Barrel by Barrel: The Craft of Bourbon Aging at...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/08/22

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 bourbon journey—and it all starts right here in Southwest Virginia...

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11:51

Why Manufacturing: Seasoned Strength and Leadership...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/08/20

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 how she leads a team that feels more like family. She opens up...

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2:31

#MadeInSWVA: Special T Manufacturing—Precision,...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/08/15

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, and how staying rooted in the community helps drive their s...

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15:37

Why Manufacturing: Pride, Precision, and Welding with...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/08/13

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, especially as a woman in the trades, and what drives her to keep show...

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3:14

Underground Innovation: How Simmons Equipment Powers...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/08/08

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 Virginia. Simmons Equipment: www.simmonsequipment.com Learn abo...

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6:54

SVAM Member News Update—Quarter 2, 2025

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/08/01

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 innovations from Strongwell, and digital tools from Westlake Roya...

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7:29

Why Manufacturing: Problem-Solving, Pride, and...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/07/30

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 in problem-solving, hands-on work, and continuous learning. H...

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3:20

Sealing the Future: SIG’s Flexible Packaging...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/07/25

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. SIG: www.sig.biz Learn about SVAM membership

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10:17

Why Manufacturing: Growth, Grit, and Getting Started...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/07/23

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 reflects on the mentors, tools, and moments that have shaped his ex...

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2:46

Crunch Time: Shearer’s Foods and the Snack Industry...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/07/18

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 a fan of crunchy chips or just curious about food production, this...

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3:14

Samuel Pressure Vessel Group—Engineering Strength and...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/06/20

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, rigorous quality standards, and skilled workforce contribute t...

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3:11

Real Performance Machinery—Award-Winning Innovation...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/06/13

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, and customer-focused innovation have earned them a reputation

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2:59

PBE Axell—Innovating Communication and Safety...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/06/06

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we feature PBE Axell, a global leader in communications, safety, and monitoring systems with a strong presence in Southwest Virginia. Serving critical sectors like mining, tunneling, and industrial operations, PBE Axell is known for developing rugged, reliable technologies that perform in some of the world’s most challenging environments. We explore how their cutting-edge solutions, including wireless communication, environmental monitoring, and rea...

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3:42

Paul’s Fans—Powering Industrial Ventilation from...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/05/30

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we shine a spotlight on Paul’s Fans in Grundy, Virginia—a leading manufacturer of industrial ventilation systems for the mining and manufacturing industries. Known for their durability, custom engineering, and commitment to safety, Paul’s Fans plays a vital role in keeping critical operations running smoothly across the U.S. Join us as we explore how this Southwest Virginia company combines precision engineering, innovation, and local craftsmanship ...

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75 results

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