American design has had its share of startup successes, Kickstarted concepts and handmade products in recent years. But when it comes to firing up assembly lines and restarting manufacturing, business becomes more complicated. In the midst of a much-hyped renaissance of craftsmanship across the country, many companies have also taken the next step and helped grow America's industrial base, even restarting old factories. With many new technological developments primed to help this sector, here are some companies already finding ways to scale up.
Juniper Design (Brooklyn, New York)
This four-year-old firm cranks out an array of lighting and furniture pieces, from the M Lamp (inspired by a miner's helmet and pictured above) to the Brad Ascalon-designed Peasant side table, out of their factory in Brooklyn's Industry City .
Wintercheck Factory (Brooklyn, New York)
While it looks like co-founder and designer Kristen Wentrcek had her name autocorrected during the logo-making process, nothing else about this furniture and fabrication outfit was left to chance. While they've released an array of angular furniture pieces, the one constant is American-focused material sourcing.
Heartwork (Portland, Oregon)
Classic companies like Herman Miller aren't the only ones making sleek office furniture stateside. Heartwork builds a line of bold pieces for the workspace that, like any good coworker, get the job done without getting in your way.
Supermechanical (Austin, Texas)
This Internet of Things startup is out to show American Made can also apply to high tech. The company's Range digital thermometer is designed and assembled in the US from 82.3 percent American-made parts. That may seem like they're cutting corners, until you realize that even American-made cars often contain 20 percent or more foreign-made parts.
Field (Chicago, Illinois)
The array of items released by this bespoke manufacturing outlet, from bookends to bottle openers, suggests a flexible yet focused approach to manufacturing.
∙ How the Living Product Challenge Seeks to Revolutionize Sustainable Manufacturing [Curbed]
∙ Inside Method's Colorful New Soap Making Factory in Pullman [Curbed Chicago]
∙ Empty Corktown Factory Turning Into $148M Innovation Hub [Curbed Detroit]
∙ Small Empires: Maker's Row and the future of American manufacturing [The Verge]
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