Opportunities and challenges for Minnesota sewn product manufacturers

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore domestic sewn product manufacturing in Minnesota. There is a renewed interest from consumers in products Made in America, thus some manufactures are taking advantage of the opportunities to produce locally.

Design/methodology/approach

Fourteen companies from across the state that ranged in size and product type were interviewed about the motivations, opportunities and challenges they experience with domestic manufacturing. A content analysis was conducted on the qualitative data.

Findings

The themes of personal values and economics emerged under motivations; the local economy, control and uniqueness were revealed as opportunities; and challenges included the themes of manufacturing resources and costs.

Originality/value

This group of Minnesota manufacturers holds strong values that drive them to balance the opportunities and challenges of domestic manufacturing. There is no evidence to determine if sustainability is a concern or a motivating factor.

Citation

Bye, E. and Erickson, K. (2017), "Opportunities and challenges for Minnesota sewn product manufacturers", Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, Vol. 21 No. 1, pp. 72-83. https://doi.org/10.1108/RJTA-08-2016-0016