While other FRP manufacturers pay lip service to Made in the USA or only offer a small set of their product lines made in the USA, Strongwell has been pultruding fiberglass structural products in the USA since 1956, when one of its engineers came up with the pultrusion manufacturing process! Strongwell offers transparency regarding where its products are manufactured and is able and willing to certify the source of its products.
“Made in the USA” vs. “Made in America”
The terms "Made in the USA" and "Made in America" are often used interchangeably, but there is an important distinction. "Made in the USA" specifically indicates that a product is made within the borders of the United States. "Made in America" can sometimes refer to products made in North America, including countries like Canada and Mexico. Choosing "Made in the USA" highlights a commitment to supporting American jobs, ensuring fair labor practices, and stimulating local economies. For consumers, it can be a vote of confidence in both the product’s quality and its contribution to the nation’s economic well-being, particularly in industries that rely heavily on domestic manufacturing. Supporting "Made in the USA" can also help reduce reliance on overseas production, which can come with concerns related to environmental impact, working conditions, and product authenticity.
Strongwell U.S. Facilities
& Bristol, VA Location
What about Strongwell’s Mexico facility?
Strongwell opened a manufacturing facility in Apodaca, Mexico, in 2015 to serve the needs of a single large customer there. It continues to produce for that customer and a small range of products for the Mexican and South American markets. Any Strongwell products purchased outside Mexico or South America will be manufactured exclusively in the USA.
Why does Made in the USA Matter?
The importance of Made in the USA varies from customer to customer and manufacturer to manufacturer. For Strongwell and its customers, below are ten key reasons ensuring the pultruded FRP products used are made in the USA matters.
- Assurance of Supply Chain: Manufacturing in the USA reduces reliance on overseas suppliers, mitigating risks associated with global supply chain disruptions.
- Avoidance of Import Tariffs: By purchasing domestically, customers can avoid import tariffs and associated costs, leading to more consistent pricing.
- Shipping Costs: Foreign-supplied goods require longer and more expensive shipping than those domestically produced. Don’t wait longer and pay more for shipping by buying foreign products.
- Supporting Local Economies: Buying products made in the USA supports local jobs, strengthens communities, and boosts the national economy.
- Compliance with US Regulations: Composites made in the USA comply with stringent federal, state, and local regulations, ensuring adherence to safety and performance standards.
- Compliance to Contract Requirements: It is increasingly common that end users demand USA-made products from their suppliers. Buying from Strongwell ensures you can comply with any Made in the USA contract requirements.
- Innovation: The US is a hub for cutting-edge technology and innovation, ensuring that composites manufactured here incorporate the latest advancements in materials and processes.
- Environmental Responsibility: U.S. manufacturers must adhere to strict environmental standards, minimizing the ecological footprint of composite production.
- Labor Standards: Products made in the USA are created under a specific set of ethical labor practices, adhering to stringent worker protection laws and standards.
- Stronger Industry Relationships: Building partnerships with US-based manufacturers allows for more effective communication, problem-solving, and long-term collaboration.
Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA)
BABAA Overview
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law on November 15, 2021. The IIJA includes the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA). BABAA (also referred to as BABA) requirements for iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction material bolster domestic manufacturing, build more resilient supply chains, and support good-paying American jobs.
BABAA Certification
All products of Strongwell Corporation manufactured by our U.S. facilities, meet the Buy America Preference requirements of the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) and qualify as “Manufactured Goods” according to the Act. Strongwell Corporation has manufacturing facilities in Bristol, Virginia; Washington County, Virginia and Chatfield, Minnesota. In order to ensure that a particular purchase order results in full compliance with the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA), the customer should specify this requirement in its original request for quotation of materials from Strongwell.
Download Strongwell's BABAA Certification letter here.
The Importance of BABAA Compliance
Under the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA), non-compliance can result in specific penalties, including:
- Loss of Federal Funds: If a project does not meet the required Buy America standards, it can result in the suspension or termination of federal funding. Agencies can withhold or recoup funds allocated for projects that do not comply with the act.
- Civil Penalties: Agencies may impose civil penalties for violations, which can include substantial fines based on the severity and nature of the non-compliance.
- Contractor Disqualification: Contractors or subcontractors found to be in violation of BABAA may be deemed ineligible for future federal contracts, affecting their ability to secure government projects.
- Increased Scrutiny and Audits: Entities that fail to comply may be subject to heightened audits and reviews from federal agencies, leading to potential disruptions or delays in ongoing projects.
- Legal Liability: Non-compliant companies could face lawsuits from government entities for breach of contract, with potential financial and reputational damages.