“We are getting a lot of questions from companies who want to bring their manufacturing back to the U.S., and also from companies who want to stay in the U.S. instead of going to China to manufacture their medical products,” said Jeff Somple, president of the northern operations of
Mack Molding, which is based in Arlington, Vt.In particular, he said companies are bringing back to the U.S. the more complex medical-device projects that require hefty upfront design, ongoing customer/supplier interface, multiple engineering changes, inventory control, and where speed-to-market is critical.
“A lot of people have gotten an education in the past decade as to what products it makes sense to manufacture in China and what products it makes sense to manufacture in the U.S.,” said Somple in an interview at the Medical Design & Manufacturing show in Philadelphia, held in late May.
“They have realized that there is a place for off-shore, low-cost manufacturing, but that it doesn’t make sense to manufacture everything offshore.
“A decade ago, boards of directors all over the country were asking their CEOs why they weren’t in China,” said Somple. “Now people are asking questions about whether it makes sense to go to China, and we’re hearing about [manufacturing] programs that are coming back.”
A number of different forces are coming into play all at once that are driving medical manufacturing back to the U.S., said Somple. “The quality demands are high,” he said, “and there are concerns about intellectual property.”
There are other factors as well, he said, including changes in the cost of offshore labor costs, issues related to manufacturing expertise and logistics costs.
“When companies moved to China, they didn’t factor in the hiccups that can occur and the need to expedite and air-freight products” when there are breakdowns or when cultural and time-zone differences create disruptions, said Somple.
“That all eats into the savings” a company gets from manufacturing overseas, he said. “One air-freight shipment of products [that you have to make] because you’re going to miss a customer’s deadline can cancel out a year of savings on the labor side.”
What’s more, the gap in wages is shrinking, he said, because offshore labor costs are increasing and U.S. labor costs remain flat. “With the current 20 percent annual increase in offshore labor costs, it won’t take long for the gap to close dramatically,” said Somple.
Because of the potential time and cost issues related to product development, the development of prototypes and getting production up and running overseas, Somple said companies should try to calculate a dollar value for what it might cost to resolve production problems overseas in weighing whether to manufacture in the U.S. or offshore.
“Look back on your recent domestic product launches and critically evaluate what it would have cost to solve all the issues that took place had the product been manufactured overseas,” suggested Somple. “Then take a pragmatic look at your new project.”
The boost in medical business at Mack, combined with the growth in its other markets, has increased the workforce of the northern operations of Mack Molding by more than 10 percent — from 450 to 500 — in the last year, said Somple.
With its workforce growing rapidly, Mack has put together training and internship programs to make sure that the company gets the quality workers it needs.
“The challenges [of hiring] people are more on the technical side, especially finding engineering people who want to run a [computer numerically controlled] machine,” said Somple.
“[Because] manufacturing has been perceived as a shrinking industry, the labor force has shied away from learning skilled trades like running a drill press or a molding machine.”
On top of that, noted Somple, the northern operations of Mack Molding are “in a rural area where there is not a vibrant manufacturing base” of other companies Mack can draw upon.
To address that, Mack has put together “very robust” internships — 11 this summer and 11 last summer — to whet the interest of future college graduates, Somple said.
“We have been doing that aggressively for three years now. This is a key component to us growing in the future,” said Somple. “We are making the program fun and interesting so we can keep bright people from leaving the state.”
Veteran resource
In addition, the company has always worked with recruiters, including several who specializing in placing individuals who are exiting military service and returning to civilian life, Somple said.
“These are skilled and trained people who have put their lives on hold, put their careers on hold,” said Somple. “They do great work and hit the ground running. Not only are they coming out of the service with incredible skills, they are also tremendously enthusiastic and ambitious about applying those skills to a new career.”
Mack also makes sure its new hires are properly trained and have someone to guide them from the onset.
Somple said Mack usually assigns a new hire a mentor and the company develops a training matrix specific to each position. That training often includes visits to other Mack facilities, off-site development programs and orientation sessions in functional areas, he said.
“It is so hard to find and attract good talent, so we want to do everything possible to help them hit the ground running and blend seamlessly into the company,” he said.
Visit their website for more information MACK MOLDING CO.
Russian Olympians Will Wear Uniforms Made By American Brand
in Uncategorized/by MAM TeamWalter Loeb, Contributor
Covers major developments in the retail industry.
Russian Olympians will wear American made Uniforms in 2014.
I think that the uniforms should have been made in the United States and share the feelings expressed in Women’s Wear Daily by Allen B. Schwartz, principal and creative director of A.B.S by Allen Schwartz–“it was a huge oversight when you are promoting the U.S.A at the Olympics.”
The USOC (US Olympic Committee) is funded privately, in contrast to the Russian Olympic Committee, which is government sponsored and subsidized. With 530 athletes representing the United States at the opening ceremony on July 27, it is reasonable to assume that the USOC made cost an important factor when ordering the snappy uniforms, designed by the quintessential U.S.A. brand, Ralph Lauren, but made in China. U.S. Congressmen and Senators have expressed dismay that the uniforms were made in China, leading Ralph Lauren to promise that in 2014 the uniforms will be made in the United States. Regarding the reaction in Washington, one observer suggested that if these same lawmakers were to look into the manufacturing source of the performance apparel and footwear the athletes wear during competition, they would find that most of the gear is made in China. Importing apparel and footwear from China is not new news in the U.S., it reflects trade policy and has been going on for decades.
A similar brouhaha has emerged in Spain. Spanish athletes will be wearing uniforms made in Russia despite the fact that both Inditex (owner of Zara) and Mango, two Spanish apparel companies, have excellent facilities located in Spain.
American Apparel is a vertically integrated manufacturer, distributor and retailer of branded fashion and basic apparel. The company operates about 249 retail stores, an on-line e-commerce business, and a wholesale business selling t-shirts and casual wear to distributors and screen printers. Its stores are located in 20 countries including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Israel, Australia, Japan, South Korea and China. In 2010-2011, American Apparel experienced a liquidity crisis forcing it to refinance some of its debt in order to avoid bankruptcy. The crisis was caused by funding its rapid expansion with debt followed by the negative effects of the recession on consumer spending. More recently, the company’s financial prospects have been on the mend. Dov Cheney, CEO of American Apparel, was quoted by the New York Post as saying that the “Russians did not want to wear anything that was made in China.”
Influencer Marketing Drives Growth for Made in America Companies
in Marketing Your Brand/by The Made in America Movement TeamMack Molding Co Invests to Capitalize on Reshoring
in Uncategorized/by MAM TeamPosted July 12, 2012
“A lot of people have gotten an education in the past decade as to what products it makes sense to manufacture in China and what products it makes sense to manufacture in the U.S.,” said Somple in an interview at the Medical Design & Manufacturing show in Philadelphia, held in late May.
“They have realized that there is a place for off-shore, low-cost manufacturing, but that it doesn’t make sense to manufacture everything offshore.
“A decade ago, boards of directors all over the country were asking their CEOs why they weren’t in China,” said Somple. “Now people are asking questions about whether it makes sense to go to China, and we’re hearing about [manufacturing] programs that are coming back.”
A number of different forces are coming into play all at once that are driving medical manufacturing back to the U.S., said Somple. “The quality demands are high,” he said, “and there are concerns about intellectual property.”
There are other factors as well, he said, including changes in the cost of offshore labor costs, issues related to manufacturing expertise and logistics costs.
“When companies moved to China, they didn’t factor in the hiccups that can occur and the need to expedite and air-freight products” when there are breakdowns or when cultural and time-zone differences create disruptions, said Somple.
“That all eats into the savings” a company gets from manufacturing overseas, he said. “One air-freight shipment of products [that you have to make] because you’re going to miss a customer’s deadline can cancel out a year of savings on the labor side.”
What’s more, the gap in wages is shrinking, he said, because offshore labor costs are increasing and U.S. labor costs remain flat. “With the current 20 percent annual increase in offshore labor costs, it won’t take long for the gap to close dramatically,” said Somple.
Because of the potential time and cost issues related to product development, the development of prototypes and getting production up and running overseas, Somple said companies should try to calculate a dollar value for what it might cost to resolve production problems overseas in weighing whether to manufacture in the U.S. or offshore.
“Look back on your recent domestic product launches and critically evaluate what it would have cost to solve all the issues that took place had the product been manufactured overseas,” suggested Somple. “Then take a pragmatic look at your new project.”
The boost in medical business at Mack, combined with the growth in its other markets, has increased the workforce of the northern operations of Mack Molding by more than 10 percent — from 450 to 500 — in the last year, said Somple.
With its workforce growing rapidly, Mack has put together training and internship programs to make sure that the company gets the quality workers it needs.
“The challenges [of hiring] people are more on the technical side, especially finding engineering people who want to run a [computer numerically controlled] machine,” said Somple.
“[Because] manufacturing has been perceived as a shrinking industry, the labor force has shied away from learning skilled trades like running a drill press or a molding machine.”
On top of that, noted Somple, the northern operations of Mack Molding are “in a rural area where there is not a vibrant manufacturing base” of other companies Mack can draw upon.
To address that, Mack has put together “very robust” internships — 11 this summer and 11 last summer — to whet the interest of future college graduates, Somple said.
“We have been doing that aggressively for three years now. This is a key component to us growing in the future,” said Somple. “We are making the program fun and interesting so we can keep bright people from leaving the state.”
Veteran resource
In addition, the company has always worked with recruiters, including several who specializing in placing individuals who are exiting military service and returning to civilian life, Somple said.
“These are skilled and trained people who have put their lives on hold, put their careers on hold,” said Somple. “They do great work and hit the ground running. Not only are they coming out of the service with incredible skills, they are also tremendously enthusiastic and ambitious about applying those skills to a new career.”
Mack also makes sure its new hires are properly trained and have someone to guide them from the onset.
Somple said Mack usually assigns a new hire a mentor and the company develops a training matrix specific to each position. That training often includes visits to other Mack facilities, off-site development programs and orientation sessions in functional areas, he said.
“It is so hard to find and attract good talent, so we want to do everything possible to help them hit the ground running and blend seamlessly into the company,” he said.
Visit their website for more information MACK MOLDING CO.
CNN's " Made in America: The short list"
in Uncategorized/by MAM TeamJuly 13, 2012
“Small businesses are responsible for two out of every three new jobs created in the U.S. We need these small to midsize businesses to flourish and grow as they are our innovators, our makers and job creators. Making it in America, supporting U.S. manufacturing and buying American is one thing we can all do today to help keep the American dream alive and well.”
Here’s a short list of websites and Facebook groups dedicated to helping consumers find products made in the United States, along with a few brands known to manufacture most or a substantial portion of their goods stateside.
Resources:
The Made in America Movement
Made in USA Challenge
USA Love List
Accessories:
– Arne Mason: leather carrying cases
– Blackbox Case: wooden laptop cases
– Makr Carry Goods: bags, stools, wallets, belts
– NATIVE(X): totes, scarves, jewelry, mugs
– Pierrepont Hicks: ties, bowties
– Randolph Engineering: glasses, sunglasses
– Summit Creek Dry Goods: wallets, key chains, belts
– Estex Mfg. Co.: Tool sheaths, aprons, buckets, holsters
Bags:
– Duluth Pack
– GORUCK
– J.W. Hulme
– Maptote
– Mountain Ridge Gear
Clothes:
– All American Clothing
– American Apparel
– Beverly Hills Basics
– Pendleton
– Pointer Brand
– Taylor Stitch
– Todd Shelton
– UNIS
Footwear:
– Terox Footwear
– Capps Shoe Company
– Rancourt and Company
– Red Wing Heritage line
Headwear:
– Walz Caps
– BUZZLINE
Random:
– Litespeed Bicycles
– K’NEX: Children’s toys
– Geneva Manufacturing: Modular garage organizing gear
– Purrfectplay: Pet toys
– Simplicity Vacuums
– Steelman Cycles
– Braun Corporation: Manufacturer of wheelchair lifts and ramps, transit vehicles
Share your resources in the comments!
The Shirt Heard Around the World: America has Returned
in Uncategorized/by MAM TeamAn Article Written by: Josh Miller
Creator/Producer of “Made in the USA: The 30 Day Journey”
We are a nation of entrepreneurs; we have our dreams that are unique to each of us. How many times have you shared an idea with a friend, and your friend tells you that this has already been done? You simply tell your friend that your idea is going to be a little different, and it is going to change the future. That is the exact spirit we inherited, and that is what has, and always will keep America alive.
The age of the entrepreneur is here, and we must make sure we give our entrepreneurs a chance to start their ventures here in the USA. This is not a pitch for lower taxes, less regulation, or vice-versa. This is a message to the world that a movement has arrived.
America has returned, and we’re ready to get to work. Nothing is going to stop us. We must tell President Obama, and Congress, to get their act together. Our future is much more important than a 2012 election. Whether our future leader is President Obama or Governor Romney, our message shall not change.
I hate using this phrase because I believe it is highly overused in the world of politics, but we are at a crossroads, and we must decide our fate. If the Olympic apparel story has taught us anything, it is that our voice can, and will be heard, if we speak loud enough, and speak on a united front.
Keep dreaming because that is what keeps America strong! We must continue to find that next frontier.
Follow Josh Miller and the progress of his film on Facebook and Twitter
Subscribe to his Youtube Channel and follow his journey.
Ralph Lauren to Make American-Made Olympic Uniforms in 2014
in Uncategorized/by MAM TeamDesigner Ralph Lauren announced Friday that the uniforms it provides the U.S. Olympic team at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, will, in fact, be made in the United States.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said the USOC should be “ashamed of themselves,” and Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., called the decision “not just outrageous, it’s just plain dumb. It is self-defeating.”
Ralph Lauren initially declined comment on the criticism, but 24 hours later announced clothes for future Olympics would be made in the United States.
“Ralph Lauren promises to lead the conversation within our industry and our government to address the issue to increase manufacturing in the United States,” the company said in a statement.
It’s too late to change anything for the 530 American athletes in time for the London Games, which start July 27. The uniforms for the Opening Ceremonies will remain as planned — blue blazer, cream-colored pants for men and skirts for women and a blue beret with red and white stripes.
The USOC initially defended the choice of Ralph Lauren, saying it was grateful for the support from an “iconic American company.”
On Friday, USOC CEO Scott Blackmun said the federation takes the complaints seriously.
“We are absolutely committed … to working with our sponsors to ensure that the concerns voiced are addressed,” Blackmun said. “In the meantime, we ask for the American people’s support. The members of Team USA have dedicated their entire lives to training for this one moment.”
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., who along with Israel wrote a letter to the USOC chairman Larry Probst complaining about the situation, released a statement after hearing Friday’s news.
“When America’s best athletes are representing our country on the world stage, we should be representing the best of American-made goods,” she wrote. “The pride of our Olympic athletics goes hand in hand with the pride of American innovation and manufacturing. While I am greatly disappointed our athletes will not be dressed head to toe in Made in the USA this year, I thank the USOC and Ralph Lauren for hearing our voices and working to correct this mistake going forward. I look forward to cheering on Team USA.”
Outrage Over Ralph Lauren's 'Made in China' Team USA Olympic Uniforms
in Uncategorized/by MAM TeamDesigner Nanette Lepore, who manufactures her entire collection in the US, chimed in her disappointment to both ABC News and CNN.
“It’s very disturbing because it completely could have been manufactured here in the United States in New York City or in any other city where there’s factories that still exist,” she told CNN. “And it’s frustrating for us because it’s a cause we’ve been fighting for, and we’ve been trying to raise awareness and trying to convince designers to move work back to our shores and stop off-shoring and start on-shoring… This would have been the perfect opportunity.”
Rep. Steve Israel, D-New York, said there was enough time for Ralph Lauren to manufacture the uniforms in the United States.
“We’re not asking (Ralph Lauren) to do this simply out of American patriotism, although this is a matter of pride. We’re asking them to do it as a matter of economic strategy,” Israel said.
ABC News, which broke the story, reported that the USOC replied in a statement: “We’re proud of our partnership with Ralph Lauren, an iconic American company.”
In a similar vein, USOC spokesperson Patrick Sandusky tweeted yesterday, “All this talk about Olympic uniforms made in China is non sense. Polo RL is an American company that supports American athletes.”
Here is the rest of the ABC News report:
Sound off in the comments below!
Join The Made in America Movement on Facebook and interact with other Buy American activists/advocates.
Follow the buzz on Twitter.
Join Nanette Lepore in supporting the Garment District. Join ‘Save the Garment Center‘ today!
Lawmaker: USOC 'Should Be Ashamed' Team USA Uniforms Made in China
in Uncategorized/by MAM Teamupdated 10:29 AM EDT, Fri July 13, 2012
“Unlike most Olympic teams around the world, the U.S. Olympic Team is privately funded and we’re grateful for the support of our sponsors,” USOC spokesman Patrick Sandusky said in a statement released Thursday.
“We’re proud of our partnership with Ralph Lauren, an iconic American company, and excited to watch America’s finest athletes compete at the upcoming Games in London.”
Rep. Steve Israel, D-New York, said there was still enough time for the uniforms to be made in the United States.
“There are companies and people waiting to make those uniforms, and we can have the job done and the uniforms shipped in time for the Olympics,” he told CNN.
A majority of clothing is produced overseas, but it is a myth that American manufacturers can’t do the job locally, he said.
“We’re not asking (Ralph Lauren) to do this simply out of American patriotism, although this is a matter of pride. We’re asking them to do it as a matter of economic strategy,” Israel said.
Dara Torres, a former American Olympic swimmer who won 12 medals in a span of 20 years, said the uniforms looked great but would be even better if they were produced domestically.
“Wearing the U.S. uniform, going out there to represent the United States, it would be nice if it was actually made in the United States,” she said.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, told reporters Thursday that “the Olympic committee should be ashamed of themselves.”
“I think they should be embarrassed. I think they should take all the uniforms, put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over again,” he said.
“If they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it, painted by hand, then that’s what they should wear.”
Ralph Lauren and the USOC were bombarded on Facebook and Twitter by hundreds who demanded the fashion design company manufacture new uniforms in the United States.
Actress and human rights advocate Mia Farrow took to Twitter to call on the designer to explain its actions: “please will you tell us why the US Olympic uniforms are made in China? Why not made in the USA?”
Farrow, known for her advocacy on behalf on children, also called on the designer to heed Reid’s call. “Burn them & start all over. How bout it?” she tweeted.
At least one current Olympic athlete also raised questions about the uniforms.
“Our Ralph Lauren outfits for the Olympic opening ceremonies were made in China. So, um, thanks China,” tweeted distance runner Nick Symmonds, who represents the best hope for the United States to medal in the men’s 800-meters since the 1992 Games in Barcelona.
Sandusky, the USOC spokesman, also took to Twitter later in the day to defend the uniforms, describing the criticism as nonsense.
“All this talk about Olympic uniforms made in China is non sense. Polo RL is an American company that supports American athletes,” he tweeted.
Ralph Lauren did not respond to a CNN request for comment, though the designer — in a statement posted online — called it a “privilege to be the outfitter of Team USA for the 2012 Olympic Games.”
“The Olympic Games are the ultimate tradition of international competition, sportsmanship, and personal excellence,” the designer said on the company’s corporate website.
The USOC is no stranger to controversy over its sponsorships, with questions being raised over why it opted last year to extend BP’s sponsorship through the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, following the Gulf of Mexico oil spill in 2010.
It was also questioned as early as the 2002 during the Winter Games in Salt Lake City about why American athletes donned berets made by Roots, a Canadian company.
Ralph Lauren has designed uniforms for the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver and the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, and both times portions of the clothing were manufactured in China, according to previous CNN reports.
The revelations about the 2012 uniforms, first reported Wednesday night by ABC News, come at a critical time as the United States grapples with a struggling economy that has hit the American textile industry hard.
New York-based fashion designer Nanette Lepore, who boasts a “Made In America” collection, said she was disturbed by the news that the uniforms were made in China.
It’s very disturbing because it completely could have been manufactured here in the United States in New York City or in any other city where there’s factories that still exist,” she told CNN.
“And it’s frustrating for us because it’s a cause we’ve been fighting for, and we’ve been trying to raise awareness and trying to convince designers to move work back to our shores and stop off-shoring and start on-shoring. This would have been the perfect opportunity.”
But free market advocates, such as the Cato Institute, say none of this is surprising.
Globalization means manufacturing companies will be drawn to countries where the costs are lowest, according to Daniel J. Ikenson of the Cato Institute.
“When compa
nies a
re able to outsource, they are able to produce most competitively. They’re able to attend to their costs. And if they can do that, then they can deliver better quality, greater variety at lower prices for U.S. consumers,” Ikenson
Join The Made in America Movement on Facebook and interact with other Buy American activists/advocates.
Follow the buzz on Twitter.
Join Nanette in supporting the Garment District. Join ‘Save the Garment Center‘ today!
‘Made in USA’: The All American Clothing Co. Reveals Why America Just Can't Live Without It
in Uncategorized/by MAM TeamAt a time when ‘Made in USA’ and American Manufacturing are at high level of discussion, there is not enough emphasis, action or resolve. Many focuses for political leaders have been on the issues of health care, tax cuts, and student loans–which are all necessary matters. But, our leaders have not focused enough on the all important ideal that allows citizens to attain and afford these issues. That is, creating jobs. Jobs cannot be created without American manufacturing built around the phrase ‘Made in USA.’ These words are what built America during the greatest job growth in its history–the Industrial Revolution. From the auto industry workers on the assembly line, to the farmers who harvest food, to the cotton mill workers who create the fabric used in clothing—the days of the Industrial Revolution created millions of American jobs with three words America just can`t live without—‘Made in USA.’
America cannot live without USA manufacturing. Manufacturing creates the jobs that fuel the tax base needed to support the American standard of living. Taxes help to pay for schools, police, fire/emergency services, healthcare and transportation. Without USA manufacturing and jobs how can America support these needs? According to the U.S. Census Bureau the American population was estimated at 313,793,643 as of June 2012. If every American spent $50 on one USA Made item a year, it would create an estimated $15.7 billion in revenue. In addition, each American manufacturing job produces up to 4 new jobs in other sectors (source: workingforamerica.org). This number alone would create thousands of jobs for Americans!
There once was a time when it was a tradition to have “Made in USA’ on all manufacturing items in the U.S, when there was a promise of the American Dream through the American manufacturing that provided jobs, and when industries like the apparel industry thrived in being one of the leading job suppliers for citizens in the United States. Those days are over. Today, there are very few companies who can say they are ‘Made in USA’ by American workers and from American materials.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the American Made apparel industry alone had 938.6 thousand jobs in 1990. Today, that number has plummeted to 150.3 thousand jobs. Along with other industries, the American apparel industry is slowly dying, racking up a loss of 788,300 jobs, a -84% loss. If trends like this continue Americans will keep on losing jobs, the national debt will continue to plunge, and someday there may never be tags on clothing that say ‘Made in USA.’
With the current unemployment rate at 8.2% (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), in what is the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. The need to supply American citizens a job in an American manufacturing industry is more important than ever for both U.S. citizens and the economy. Under these current conditions, citizens are finding it harder to live. College graduates cannot find a job, parents are supporting their children into their 20`s, and even military men and women cannot find a job after they return home from duty.
American citizens, business leaders, and political leaders must take a stand and make an effort to support this country. U.S. business leaders must stand up to do the right thing and bring manufacturing back to the United States. Citizens must support the effort to buy at least one USA Made item a year at $50 to create up to $15.7 billion in revenue, and American political leaders must support ‘Made in USA’ as a call to action in a bi-partisan way. There is still hope. If all Americans collectively come together and start supporting USA Made items, America will begin to flourish like it once did during the Industrial Revolution. $15.7 billion in one year, can double to $30 billion in the next. Together, with action, Americans can ultimately improve their efforts and each others` lives year in and year out. America has to. America has no choice. It has to support ‘Made in USA.’ America just can`t live without it.
——————–
About the Author:
Logan Beam is the Director of Marketing and Communications for the All American Clothing Co, a 100% USA Made clothing company that passionately supports Made in USA goods. This release was written as a ‘call to action’ for all American citizens and all American leaders to increase their efforts in supporting ‘Made in USA’.
Follow All American Clothing Co. on Twitter
Team USA To Be Decked Out in Uniforms Made in China
in News/by MAM TeamABC News’ Sharyn Alfonsi reports:
The classic American style – shown in an image above – was crafted by designer Ralph Lauren. But just how American is it?
When ABC News looked at the labels, it found “made in China.”
Every item in the uniforms that the U.S. athletes will be wearing at the opening ceremony in London will carry an overseas label.
Here’s how much the uniforms cost:
Men:
Beret – $55
Tie – $125
Belt – $85
Shirt – $425
Blazer – $795
Trousers – $295
Shoes – $165
Women:
Beret – $55
Scarf – $58
Belt – $85
Shirt – $179
Skirt – $498
Blazer – $598
“Why shouldn’t we have pride not only in the American athletes, but in the American manufacturers and laborers who are the backbone of our country?” Lepore said to ABC News. “Why? What’s wrong? Why was that not a consideration?”
ABC News reached out to Lauren and the U.S. Olympic Committee and asked why American-made clothing had not been selected for the athletes.
The committee said: “The U.S. Olympic team is privately funded and we’re grateful for the support of our sponsors. We’re proud of our partnership with Ralph Lauren, an iconic American company.”