September 29, 2025
October is National Manufacturing Month. This gives us another opportunity to celebrate our makers and job creators. It’s a chance to spotlight the impact of manufacturing on the economy, showcase innovation, and inspire the next generation of workers to consider careers in this critical sector.
Why Manufacturing Matters
Manufacturing is more than just producing goods, it’s a foundation of economic stability and innovation. Nationally, manufacturing contributes over $2.6 trillion annually to the U.S. economy and supports more than 12 million jobs. For every dollar spent in manufacturing, another $2.60 is added to the economy (the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)), making it one of the most impactful sectors.
Beyond the numbers, manufacturing creates well-paying local jobs, supports communities through taxes and local investments, and strengthens the economy by making supply chains more resilient. In short, when manufacturing thrives, communities thrive.
Manufacturing in the Greenbrier Valley
The Greenbrier Valley has long been home to makers and builders. From woodworking and specialty goods to precision components and food products, local manufacturers have shaped both our economy and our identity.
Historically, the region’s manufacturing was tied closely to natural resources, wood products, textiles, and small-scale specialty items. These industries provided steady employment and helped anchor rural communities.
Modern Greenbrier Valley manufacturers combine tradition with innovation. Businesses in our region now use advanced equipment, robotics, and digital tools to compete in global markets. Many are carving out success in niche industries, supplying parts or products to specialized markets where quality and precision are essential.
We are blessed with a diverse group of manufacturing in our region including Collins Aerospace, Almost Heaven Saunas, Smooth Ambler Spirits, Architectural Wood, AEI, Inter-state Hardwoods, Mott Manufacturing, WV Great Barrel Company, M-Rock Stone Manufacturing, and more. Each of these businesses demonstrates how our region’s adaptability and work ethic create long-term sustainability.
Opportunities and Challenges
Like many rural regions, the Greenbrier Valley faces both opportunities and challenges in manufacturing. On the opportunity side, retiring workers are opening new jobs, automation and digital tools help small plants stay competitive, and domestic production is growing, boosting local manufacturers. Being “Made in the Greenbrier Valley” reflects a strong reputation for quality and craftsmanship.
Challenges include finding and keeping skilled workers, meeting infrastructure needs like broadband and transportation, overcoming outdated perceptions of manufacturing, and helping smaller manufacturers afford new technology. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated support, which the Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation is committed to providing.
The Role of the Greenbrier Valley EDC
At the Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation, we recognize that manufacturing is vital to our region’s economic resilience and growth. Supporting this sector is central to our mission, and National Manufacturing Month provides a platform to highlight that commitment.
How We Support Manufacturing
- Celebrating Local Success Stories: We promote the achievements of Greenbrier Valley manufacturers, from long-standing companies to innovative newcomers. These stories inspire pride and help shift perceptions about what manufacturing looks like today.
- Building Workforce Connections: We connect students, jobseekers, and educators with manufacturers to showcase career opportunities. This includes partnering with Explore Manufacturing’s, that have a number of programs that brings students and manufacturers together for hands-on experiences and direct engagement. This and other programs, including the formal support of School Partnerships by the Education Alliance, help students learn about the wide range of career paths available in the region and gain a clearer understanding of how manufacturing shapes their community.
- BRE Visits: We partner with the WV Division of Economic Development to schedule BRE (Business Retention and Expansion) visits with businesses that may need help navigating local and state regulatory environments or finding land or buildings for future operations, exploring workforce training or more. Whether with us directly or through our large network of partners, we can connect businesses to resources and technical assistance to meet the needs of our existing businesses.
- Site Development and Inventory: While property development involves infrastructure upgrades and a long checklist for due diligence, the Greenbrier Valley EDC works with public and private owners to increase the availability of sites in our region for Manufacturing. We keep an inventory of available sites on our website, as well as share sites with the WV Division of Economic Development.
Looking to the Future
National Manufacturing Month isn’t just about looking back, it’s about shaping the future. In the Greenbrier Valley, manufacturing means stable jobs, innovative businesses, and a stronger local economy. This includes expanding training so more residents are ready for high-demand careers, attracting new manufacturers, supporting existing businesses as they adopt new technologies, and fostering community pride in our region’s craftsmanship and innovation. Manufacturing will remain a cornerstone of the region’s economy, but its success depends on continued investment in workforce development, infrastructure, and community support.
At the Greenbrier Valley EDC, we’re committed to celebrating our manufacturers, supporting our workforce, and embracing innovation to ensure the region can support this important sector. This October, we invite you to join us in recognizing the businesses and people who make the Greenbrier Valley a place of opportunity, resilience, and growth.
