Growing up in a “small town USA,” we typified the stereotypical charm of so many other small towns with our nostalgic town square, concerts in the park and local festivals. Despite being a town of less than 10,000 people, Bryan, Ohio hosted several manufacturing companies, lending to the golden standard that American manufacturing had instilled. We were home to the Etch-A-Sketch and Dum Dum sucker companies, amongst other industries. During summer breaks, I worked at The Ohio Art Company to help fund my college education. I have innumerable fond memories of a town that was booming with industry and the quintessential Norman Rockwell-style place to raise a family.
Sadly, over time, “Made in the USA” was replaced by “Made in _______” (fill in the blank). High-quality, USA-manufactured products were replaced by cheaper products from overseas. USA jobs were outsourced to create cost-savings, resulting in many of our family and friends becoming unemployed. The “small town USA” and many like it, began to close one factory after another. Once booming towns and cities began to wither, leaving many folks to wonder, “What do we do next?”
Reflecting on my upbringing, I never imagined my small-town roots would eventually lead me to owning my own USA, medical manufacturing company. This company has revived the American pride I have had running through my veins since I was a young boy. I can now answer folks’ questions on “What do we do next?” by creating new job opportunities right here in Cincinnati, Ohio, and reintroducing the golden standard.
Elite Biomedical Solutions was created to provide high-quality, alternative solutions to the original manufacturers. After 15-plus years on the original equipment manufacturer side and another 12 working for an aftermarket company in this industry, I witnessed firsthand how cost-cutting measures sacrificed quality. Back orders became the norm, not the exception. The quantity of product recalls grew. All of this because of larger companies offshoring their manufacturing capabilities to overseas companies. It is no secret that American manufacturing is better quality. The risk is inherently greater when you choose offshore manufacturing. Between the potential of selecting poorer/cheaper material to lower standards. Not to mention the lack of communication, lack of control over the product, and lack of adherence to the regulations and specifications.
When the opportunity presented itself to us, in 2012, we started Elite. As a new business owner, we made a commitment to high-quality, USA-manufactured products. Because of our higher standards, we can effectively reduce the risks for your business in environmental, financial, regulatory and safety terms. Choosing American-based manufacturing invests back into the U.S. economy; ultimately benefiting your business too. By bringing manufacturing back to the U.S, you are creating jobs for Americans. You are also securing the U.S. supply chain of needed products and providing us with independence from any other country. Americans taking care of Americans!
Too frequently, I witness manufacturers, aftermarket companies, and distributors in the health care industry, cutting their costs and utilizing manufacturers overseas. But at what “cost”?
The next time you are investigating a strategic partner in the manufacturing industry, I want you to ask yourself the following:
- Can you meet with the team that made the product(s)?
- Can you shake their hands?
- Can you see their product run on their injection molding presses?
- Can they demonstrate the entire quality management process in developing their product?
- Is their company FDA registered, or ISO certified?
- Are they willing to stand with you or beside you in case of product failure?
- Does the company provide a one-year warranty (no questions asked)?
- When asked product questions, can they confidently answer?
- Will those companies be able to supply you with the PPE and the medical equipment the next time our country faces a global pandemic and all the borders have been closed?
This is just one proud USA manufacturer’s thoughts and opinions, but hopefully, I have shared why it is so important to me and the Elite team! You are always welcome here. Please consider this an open invitation to anyone who would like to visit us. Help us bring back “Made in the USA.”
Sincerely,
Jeff Smith – CEO/Co-Owner of Elite Biomedical Solutions