How One Furniture Maker Battled Offshoring, Stayed Local, and Helped Save an American City

Factory Man: How One Furniture Maker Battled Offshoring, Stayed Local - and Helped Save an American Town

by Beth Macy

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4045 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	451 pages

FREE

In the early 2000s, the American furniture industry was in a state of crisis. Offshoring had decimated the industry, with thousands of jobs lost as companies moved their manufacturing overseas in search of cheaper labor. In the city of High Point, North Carolina, once the furniture capital of the world, the industry was particularly hard-hit. By 2005, the city had lost over 15,000 furniture jobs.

But amidst the decline, one furniture maker was determined to stay local. Sam Moore Furniture, a family-owned company founded in 1946, refused to offshore its production. Instead, the company invested in its workers and its community, and it became a beacon of hope for High Point.

Sam Moore Furniture's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of local manufacturing. When companies offshore their production, they not only hurt their workers and their communities, but they also damage the American economy as a whole. By staying local, Sam Moore Furniture has helped to preserve American jobs, protect the environment, and strengthen the community of High Point.

The Challenges of Offshoring

Offshoring is the practice of moving manufacturing or other business operations to a foreign country, typically in search of cheaper labor. While offshoring can save companies money in the short term, it can have devastating consequences for workers and communities in the long run.

When companies offshore their production, they often lay off their American workers. This can lead to widespread unemployment and economic hardship. In the case of High Point, the loss of furniture jobs had a ripple effect on the entire community. As furniture makers lost their jobs, so too did the businesses that relied on them, such as restaurants, stores, and banks.

In addition to the economic harm, offshoring can also damage the environment. When companies move their production overseas, they often do so to countries with lax environmental regulations. This can lead to increased pollution and environmental degradation.

The Benefits of Local Manufacturing

Local manufacturing has a number of benefits for workers, communities, and the environment. When companies manufacture their products locally, they create jobs and support the local economy. This can lead to increased economic growth and prosperity.

Local manufacturing also helps to protect the environment. When products are manufactured locally, they do not have to be shipped long distances, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, local manufacturers are more likely to use sustainable practices, such as recycling and energy efficiency.

Sam Moore Furniture's Story

Sam Moore Furniture is a family-owned furniture company founded in 1946 in High Point, North Carolina. The company has a long history of innovation and craftsmanship, and its products are known for their quality and durability.

In the early 2000s, when the American furniture industry was in decline, Sam Moore Furniture faced the same challenges as many other companies. The company could have easily moved its production overseas in search of cheaper labor. However, the company's owners were committed to staying local. They believed that it was important to support their workers and their community.

To stay competitive, Sam Moore Furniture invested in its workers and its technology. The company also worked closely with its suppliers to reduce costs. As a result of these efforts, Sam Moore Furniture was able to keep its prices competitive while still maintaining its high standards of quality.

Today, Sam Moore Furniture is a thriving business. The company employs over 400 people in High Point, and its products are sold in furniture stores across the country. Sam Moore Furniture is a shining example of how local manufacturing can be successful.

The story of Sam Moore Furniture is a reminder of the importance of local manufacturing. When companies offshore their production, they not only hurt their workers and their communities, but they also damage the American economy as a whole. By staying local, Sam Moore Furniture has helped to preserve American jobs, protect the environment, and strengthen the community of High Point.

Sam Moore Furniture is a model for other companies that are looking to stay competitive in a global economy. By investing in their workers and their communities, companies can create jobs, support the local economy, and protect the environment.

Factory Man: How One Furniture Maker Battled Offshoring, Stayed Local - and Helped Save an American Town

by Beth Macy

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4045 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	451 pages

FREE