Why “Made in the USA” Curb Appeal Matters

According to a Consumer Reports survey, nearly 80% of Americans would rather buy American-made products. If you’re among that majority, it’s important to note how manufacturers like Ply Gem Building Products, whose operations are based in the U.S., contribute to economic stability through local job growth and employment and adhere to sustainable and fair manufacturing practices. In light of the upcoming July 4^th holiday, here are a few reasons why it’s beneficial to use Made in the USA products on your home:

1. To support the economy and American jobs: It might seem obvious to say that buying Made in the USA products helps support American jobs, but perhaps it’s not top of mind, when purchasing or remodeling your home. According to a report from the Economic Policy Institute(EPI), since 1998, the U.S. has lost nearly 5.7 million manufacturing jobs. Additionally, the EPI estimates that every U.S. manufacturing job supports an additional 1.4 jobs in other parts of the economy in industries like construction, accounting and energy, which is why it is more important than ever to buy American-made products from companies like Ply Gem. An entrepreneurial American success story, Ply Gem was founded 75 years ago by one family working to achieve the American dream. Today, we proudly employ more than 10,000 associates across North America which enables families to build their own dreams through our work building quality products.

2. Environmental stewardship: Local U.S.-based factories have guidelines outlined by the EPA that keep production processes clean and green, and as a result, tend to have less of an impact on the environment than factories located in other parts of the world. For example, all Ply Gem production plants have a comprehensive recycling program, in which more than 95 percent of scrap vinyl is recycled. Likewise, more than half of our plants reuse hundreds of thousands of gallons of waste water and more than two-thirds of our plants manufacture product with pre-consumer and/or post-consumer recycled content. To help with logistics, most job sites are within 500 miles of a Ply Gem manufacturing plant, driving down transportation costs and therefore the use of fossil fuels.

3. Maintain human rights and fair labor laws: Buying American-made products also supports human rights and labor laws. Recent reports, such as this one from the Ethical Trade Initiative, indicate there is a severe lack of labor laws found in many countries around the world that have led to poor working conditions, exhaustive working hours and the use of child labor. When buying American made products, homeowners can feel good knowing the people behind the production of that product received fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions. Ply Gem not only engages in fair labor practices, but also cares deeply about associates and members of their communities. Ply Gem also leads the Home for Good project year-round and sponsors several charitable events and enrichment programs within each plant or office community.

At Ply Gem, our core values are the guiding principles behind everything we do. These values include environmental responsibility, innovation, respect and fairness, and safety and integrity. The next time you are buying a new home or making updates to your home – like replacing siding, getting new windows or creating an outdoor living space – remember to keep in mind the importance of choosing Made in America products.