For the baby boomer generation, products made in America like televisions, kitchen appliances, toys and automobiles that they grew up with represented a time when unprecedented manufacturing muscle was evident throughout the country, leading to a vibrant work force and quality American-made goods being consumed all over the world.

But as the United States began to experience corporate globalization in the ’60s, the manufactured goods made in America significantly decreased as companies moved their operations and jobs to other countries. Consequently, the “Made in America” movement gained popularity as a grass-roots campaign to encourage Americans to purchase American-made products and, ultimately, stimulate the national economy. 

Decades later, the country has taken a renewed interest in the designation as Americans tackle new issues, including coping with the current economic situation and working to collectively reduce America’s carbon footprint. As a matter of fact, even in the midst of a global recession, the United States exported an estimated $1.4 trillion worth of goods produced in America in 2008, according to The World Factbook by the CIA.

Looking at our own industry, the kitchen appliances category historically has had, and continues to have, a strong Made-in-America presence. Several products ranging from cooktops and wall ovens to under-counter refrigerators and our own InSinkErator® food waste disposers are manufactured in the United States, which also helps contribute to the 12 million manufacturing jobs in the country.

In fact, InSinkErator food waste disposers are the only household disposers currently being made in America and the only disposers that can qualify for the “Buy American Provision” (Section 1605) in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. From its 450,000-sq.-ft. headquarters and main production facility in Racine, Wis., InSinkErator employs about 1,000 workers locally and produces millions of disposers every year.

“Our sales teams have personally seen an increased interest in American-made products from customers,” said David MacNair, vice president of marketing and brand officer. “The InSinkErator ‘Made in America’ story is genuine because not only was the product invented here but it has been manufactured in the U.S. for more than 70 years. People feel good about investing in products made at home and our success is a testament to their loyalty and to the dedication of the American worker.

For more information, visit www.insinkerator.com.