American Made Excellence
Celebrating American made excellence today and every day.
As we honor Independence Day, we're proud to share that we've exclusively produced our goods right here in the USA since we launched in 2019. That's right - all our blankets are made with love in downtown Los Angeles. By supporting American manufacturing, we not only know the names of the folks who knit our blankets (Hi, Evita!) , we also bolster a tradition of well-crafted American knitwear that's fading fast.
Having a moment with our factory owner, Evita, in 2019
When I founded AU Baby in late 2019, I created the supply chain myself from scratch. As a new business owner, architecting every step in our product creation journey was thrilling. Building a fully transparent, ethical and sustainable supply chain was at the top of my priorities. Partnering with a US-based knit factory was a natural fit, and during my time as a knitwear designer in the luxury fashion world, I had made some connections.
When I called up Evita, the owner of PDR Knitting in Los Angeles, to inquire about sampling some organic, plant dyed baby blankets, she was both excited and supportive. As a mom of two, she had some opinions about knitted baby blankets. Namely, that 100% cashmere was a terrible choice for kiddos because of all the fluff that's generated, causing respiratory distress. How did she know all of this? Because she did what ANY mother of young children who also owns a knitwear factory would do. She knitted off huge panels of leftover cashmere for her children, making them the most luxurious blankets! And then the constant sneezing ensued. It's sharing (and being receptive to) this kind of experience, actively collaborating with a production partner, that makes a successful brand. We couldn't be more grateful for ongoing partnership, and look forward to placing bigger and bigger production orders with them!
Here are some of the top reasons why we're proud to produce in the USA.
• Environmental Impact - Supporting American manufacturing can also have a positive impact on the environment. Domestic manufacturers are subject to strict environmental regulations and are often at the forefront of sustainable practices. When products are made closer to home, they require shorter transportation distances, reducing carbon emissions associated with long supply chains. Additionally, American manufacturers have been investing in eco-friendly technologies and processes, promoting energy efficiency, waste reduction, and recycling. By choosing American-made goods, we contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
• Preserving a Rich Heritage - American manufacturing has a rich heritage, deeply rooted in the history and identity of our nation. By supporting local manufacturers, we help preserve and celebrate this heritage, ensuring that future generations can experience the pride associated with American-made products. Manufacturing provides opportunities for skilled trades and craftsmanship, passing down knowledge and expertise from one generation to the next. By cherishing and supporting American manufacturing, we honor the contributions of countless workers and their dedication to producing goods of exceptional quality.
• Job Creation - American manufacturing is the backbone of our economy, generating employment opportunities and fostering economic growth. When we choose products made in the USA, we directly contribute to job creation in local communities. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, every dollar spent on manufacturing adds $1.89 to the economy, and for every manufacturing job created, an additional 3.4 jobs are added in other sectors. By supporting American manufacturing, we invest in our fellow citizens and help build a robust and sustainable economy.
While we won't always exclusively produce here in the USA (we're expanding our product offering and need additional machine capabilities), we will always continue to have a domestic knitting presence.
Comments