Over and over again, Americans are urged to buy products that are made in the U.S.A. over imported ones.
Why, though?
For a long time, supporters of American-made products have touted the quality as being superior to imported products. They’ve also touted that by buying American-made products, people are supporting Americans and American companies.
Today, automation and the global marketplace have rendered the quality argument mostly a moot point. Yes, there are companies overseas who specialize in producing cheap products–but that’s because those companies have discovered some organizations/customers are willing to buy sub-par products if they can get them cheaper. But those looking for quality machines will still be able to find what they want at manufacturers around the world.
In fact, EnSight is proud to work with a number of overseas manufacturers, including Staubli robotics, to help provide quality solutions to our own customers. And the same goes for many other American manufacturers–virtually everyone buys materials or components from overseas organizations, even if the final product is assembled in the U.S.A.
So, why then is it a big deal whether an organization buys American-made products or not?
Read on to see the answer.
Why Buy Products Made in the U.S.A.?
Supporting the Home Team
Quality may not be an argument anymore but supporting American workers and American companies is still a viable reason for buying products built/assembled in the U.S.A.
When an organization purchases a product from an American organization, like EnSight, they are helping that business continue operating. That business is then able to continue hiring Americans to work in their facilities. And that’s not just shop workers the purchase is supporting. It’s also marketing, management, service, customer service and more, for those with all their operations based in the U.S.
In addition, while some materials and/or components are imported (often because some of the highest quality components, like computer chips for controls, are imported), companies still purchase products locally as well. For example, while EnSight imports chips for controls and robots, we buy stainless steel domestically as much as possible. Remember though, that in the current climate, materials and components are often hard to come by, and companies who would generally purchase domestic might be forced to import materials instead to keep business flowing. Another reason to disregard the quality argument.
Buying from an American company has the ripple effect, as well, of helping other American organizations the company works with. From the trucking company that delivers the materials or takes the finished product to the customer to something as seemingly innocuous as food coming in for a holiday party from a local eatery–the money you pay to an organization then goes on to help keep other local organizations in business as well.
Sales & Service Benefits
Supporting American companies and their workers is a very feel-good reason for buying domestically, but it doesn’t offer much in terms of actual, measurable benefits to the customer.
But, there is a tangible benefit in regard to sales. One being the exchange rate–you can buy in American dollars without having to worry about exchanging it for the manufacturer’s local currency. It might be a minor thing, but it’s a hassle that’s easily avoided.
Speaking of local, buying products that are made in the U.S. also means less shipping costs and no customs fees. It can also mean faster shipping times due to the manufacturer being closer.
Buying from a U.S. manufacturer can also be beneficial when working out the specs of the machine. An American-based company will be much more in tune with U.S. regulations and requirements for sanitary equipment.
Then, in regard to service, who would you rather come out to service your machine–a tech you or the OEM hire who might never have even seen a machine like yours or someone who works for the company you bought the machine from? If you purchase a machine from overseas, the former might be the case.
Of course, there are two sides to every coin. In this case, the negative could be pricing. Purchasing from overseas obviously allows a company to explore more options. But, those savings could be moot after the overseas shipping costs.
EnSight is proud to be located right in America’s Heartland. If you’d like to learn more about our American-made food processing equipment, contact our sales specialists now.