Made in the USA Day: Alabama’s Manufacturing Strength and Economic Leadership
By: Nicole Wadsworth, PhD, MBA,MS
Every year on July 2, the United States observes Made in the USA Day, a national occasion that celebrates American-made products and the industries behind them. As a professional in economic development and site selection, I see this day as a clear reminder of the value and impact of domestic manufacturing, especially within Alabama’s borders.
Alabama’s contributions to American industry are meaningful and wide-ranging. From advanced automotive production to aerospace, steel, shipbuilding, and food manufacturing, Alabama-based businesses play a central role in the nation’s supply chain. These enterprises not only strengthen our national economy, they also anchor communities, create high-quality jobs, and preserve the principles of craftsmanship and innovation that the "Made in the USA" label represents.
In my work as a site selection consultant, I assist companies in evaluating strategic locations for long-term investment. Time and again, Alabama distinguishes itself through a powerful combination of workforce readiness, infrastructure, training resources, and pro-business policies. Alabama’s workforce development programs—such as AIDT and regional training centers—ensure that manufacturers have access to skilled labor, while the state’s multimodal transportation networks support global logistics and efficient operations. We must continue this momentum to make Alabama First.
Made in the USA Day highlights why these investments matter. When a company chooses to locate in Alabama, they select a community that values hard work, accountability, and long-term growth. Alabama’s manufacturing sector, which supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and contributes billions to our state’s GDP, is a national model of what is possible through effective economic planning and public-private collaboration.
Whether it’s aerospace in Mobile, automotive innovation in Tuscaloosa, or high-tech manufacturing in Huntsville, Alabama consistently proves its capacity to compete on a global scale. These industries reflect the resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit that define American manufacturing.
As we celebrate Made in the USA Day, let us also recognize the strategic importance of investing in places like Alabama. Supporting American-made products begins with supporting the regions that make them. From rural communities to metropolitan industrial hubs, Alabama continues to lead as a destination for manufacturers seeking excellence, efficiency, and economic opportunity.
Dr. Nicole J. Wadsworth
Site Selector | Economic Development Consultant
Advancing Strategic Growth in Alabama
