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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

5:34

SVAM Member News Update—Quarter 3, 2025

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/10/31

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 facilityNew national recognition for Simmons Equipment and Wolf Hills FabricatorsSVAM member companies competing in the 2025 Virginia Manufacturing CupAnd moreWhether you're in the industry or supporting it, this roundup is packed w...

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3:18

#MadeInSWVA: Thomas Industrial Fabrication—Custom...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/10/24

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 concept to installation. With clients in industries like beve...

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9:48

Why Manufacturing: Pride, Progress, and Purpose with...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/10/15

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 means to grow within one of the region’s most respected compani...

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3:11

Tempur Production—Crafting Comfort with Precision in...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/10/10

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 craftsmanship, the importance of teamwork on the production flo...

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19:20

Why Manufacturing: Barrel Craft, Leadership, and...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/10/08

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 shape the flavor of bourbon around the world. Josh walks us throu...

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3:12

Thomas Automation Management—Engineering Efficiency...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/10/03

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 discuss their approach to problem-solving, the role of automa...

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11:54

Why Manufacturing: Barrel Craft, Leadership, and...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/09/24

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 shape the flavor of bourbon around the world. Josh walks us throu...

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3:21

Tate, Inc.—Elevating Manufacturing Through Innovation...

Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing |... ·

2025/09/19

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 their Southwest Virginia facility plays a key role in support...

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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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63 results

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