Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing | Official Podcast Series
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 seasoned experts, revealing what makes this industry so rewarding.
📰 Member News Update – Quick updates and announcements from SVAM members, highlighting local wins, initiatives, and opportunities.
Whether you're a student, educator, job seeker, manufacturer, or community partner, these episodes will keep you informed and inspired about the role of manufacturing in Southwest Virginia’s economy and future.
🔔 Subscribe for new episodes and hear how we’re building the future—right here in SWVA.
#Manufacturing #SWVA #MadeInSWVA #WhyManufacturing #WorkforceDevelopment #IndustryInnovation #CareerPathways #SVAMPodcast
Episodes
44 episodes
SVAM Member News Update—Quarter 2, 2025
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,...
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6:54
Why Manufacturing: Problem-Solving, Pride, and Purpose in Modern Manufacturing with Logan Hicks
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 wi...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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7:29
Sealing the Future: SIG’s Flexible Packaging Innovation in Chilhowie
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 packagi...
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3:20
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Why Manufacturing: Growth, Grit, and Getting Started in the Industry with Levi McKinnon
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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10:17
Crunch Time: Shearer’s Foods and the Snack Industry in Bristol
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 acro...
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2:46
Samuel Pressure Vessel Group—Engineering Strength and Safety in Southwest Virginia
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 t...
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3:14
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Real Performance Machinery—Award-Winning Innovation from Independence, VA
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
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3:11
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PBE Axell—Innovating Communication and Safety Technology from Southwest Virginia
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, tunn...
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2:59
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Paul’s Fans—Powering Industrial Ventilation from Grundy, Virginia
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 durab...
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3:42
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Engineering the Future: Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s High-Performance Materials in Wytheville
In this episode of MadeInSWVA, we shine a spotlight on Mitsubishi Chemical Group in Wytheville, Virginia—a global leader in high-performance thermoplastics. Discover how this innovative facility contributes to industries ranging ...
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2:59
Hitachi Energy—SVAM's 2024 Manufacturer of the Year in Southwest Virginia
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we’re proud to feature Hitachi Energy in Bland, Virginia—recipient of the Manufacturer of the Year Award at SVAM’s 2024 Manufacturing Awards Banquet.As a global leader in e...
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6:16
SVAM Member News Update—Quarter 1, 2025
In this episode of SVAM Member News Update, we highlight major investments, facility expansions, safety milestones, and award recognitions from Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing community. Hear the latest on Lawrence Brothers’ expansi...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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8:33
#MadeInSWVA: Innovation in Action—Hapco Pole Products Sets the Pace in Manufacturing
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we explore what innovation truly looks like in modern manufacturing—right here in Southwest Virginia. Join us as we hear from Rich Brooks, Plant Manager at Hapco Pole Products in Abingdon, VA, one of ...
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5:01
#MadeInSWVA: Lawrence Brothers, Inc.—Crafting Custom Solutions Through Metal Fabrication
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Lawrence Brothers, Inc. of Bluefield, Virginia—a company with deep roots in custom metal fabrication and a strong commitment to quality and innovation. Serving industries na...
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3:49
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#MadeInSWVA: Innovative Millwork Technologies—Crafting Quality and Precision in Chilhowie, VA
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Innovative Millwork Technologies in Chilhowie, Virginia, a leader in custom millwork and architectural solutions. Known for their precision craftsmanship and dedication to quality, Innova...
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4:20
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#MadeInSWVA: Hitachi Energy—Powering a Sustainable Future from Bland, VA
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Hitachi Energy in Bland, Virginia, a global leader in energy solutions driving a sustainable future. Known for their advanced technologies in power grids and energy management, Hitachi En...
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4:21
#MadeInSWVA: Hapco Pole Products—Illuminating Excellence in Pole Manufacturing
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we shine a spotlight on Hapco Pole Products in Abingdon, Virginia, a leading manufacturer of high-quality aluminum poles. From lighting streets and highways to enhancing architectural designs, Hapco’s...
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4:27
#MadeInSWVA: Community Impact—How VFP & Hitachi Energy Support Southwest Virginia
In this special episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we explore the community impact of manufacturing with leaders from VFP, Inc. and Hitachi Energy in Southwest Virginia. These companies not only drive innovation in their industries but also pl...
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12:38
#MadeInSWVA: General Engineering—Precision Manufacturing for Diverse Industries
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we feature General Engineering in Abingdon, Virginia, a trusted name in precision machining and manufacturing solutions. Serving industries like aerospace, automotive, and energy, General Engineering ...
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4:12
#MadeInSWVA: Darco Southern—Leading the Way in High-Temperature Industrial Solutions
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Darco Southern in Independence, Virginia, a premier manufacturer of high-temperature industrial textiles and sealing solutions. Serving industries like power generation, automotive, and m...
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4:14
#MadeInSWVA: Columbus McKinnon—Lifting the Standards of Industrial Excellence
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we feature Columbus McKinnon in Damascus, Virginia, a global leader in intelligent motion solutions. Specializing in hoists, cranes, and other material handling systems, Columbus McKinnon designs inno...
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4:14
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#MadeInSWVA: Coalfield Services—Powering Industries with Precision and Expertise
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we shine a light on Coalfield Services, a trusted name in Wytheville, Virginia, specializing in heavy industrial construction and maintenance. With decades of expertise, Coalfield Services supports in...
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4:47
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#MadeInSWVA: Coperion Corporation—Engineering Excellence in Material Handling Solutions
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight Coperion Corporation in Wytheville, Virginia, a global leader in material handling and extrusion technology. From innovative solutions in plastics and chemicals to their cutting-edge syst...
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2:44
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#MadeInSWVA: Cardinal Glass Industries—Shaping the Future of Sustainable Glass Manufacturing
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we feature Cardinal Glass Industries in Abingdon, Virginia, a leader in innovative glass manufacturing. Known for their commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technologies, Cardinal Glass plays...
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2:44
#MadeInSWVA: Buchanan Pump Service and Supply - Driving Innovation in Industrial Solutions
In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we shine a spotlight on Buchanan Pump Service and Supply, a trusted name in Grundy, Virginia, specializing in industrial pump systems and fluid management solutions. Known for their expertise and comm...
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2:49