Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has a long and rich history of manufacturing. From the early days of producing steel and coal, which played a pivotal role in the industrialization of the United States, to the more recent shift towards high-tech and innovation, Pittsburgh has always been a hub of industry. In fact, Pittsburgh was once known as the "Steel City" due to the numerous steel mills that were located there, and the city's industrial past is still evident today in the many bridges and skyscrapers that were built with steel produced in Pittsburgh.
But as the manufacturing landscape has changed, so too has the way that products are made. Mass production and outsourcing have become the norm, leading to a loss of jobs and a decline in the number of small, locally-owned manufacturing businesses. This shift has had a significant impact not only on the economy of Pittsburgh, but on the entire country. The loss of manufacturing jobs has contributed to the widening income gap and the decline of the middle class.
However, there is a new generation of makers and craftspeople in Pittsburgh who are carrying on the heritage of manufacturing and bringing a fresh perspective to the way that products are made. These small, locally-owned businesses are helping to revitalize the manufacturing industry in Pittsburgh and create a more sustainable and equitable economy.
One such business is KerfCase, a small, locally-owned company that specialized in handcrafted wood phone cases. KerfCase is a prime example of the kind of small craft business that is helping to keep the tradition of manufacturing alive in Pittsburgh. Founded by a group of friends with a passion for woodworking and design, KerfCase combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to create unique, high-quality phone cases.
But KerfCase is not the only business in Pittsburgh that is helping to preserve the heritage of manufacturing while also looking towards the future. There are numerous other small craft businesses in the city that are doing their part to revitalize the manufacturing industry. For example, Studebaker Metals is a locally-owned metal fabrication shop that produces custom metal products for a variety of clients. And Lovett Sundries is a small batch apothecary that uses traditional techniques to create natural skincare and wellness products.
By supporting these small, locally-owned businesses and choosing locally made, high-quality products, we can help to revitalize the manufacturing industry in Pittsburgh and create a more sustainable and equitable economy. These businesses not only provide jobs and stimulate the local economy, but they also help to preserve the heritage and traditions of manufacturing that have played such a vital role in the history of Pittsburgh and the United States.
