The Manufacturing Landscape: China vs. North America

In recent years, maintaining a robust manufacturing presence in North America has become increasingly challenging. After 25 years in the industry, one would expect the process to have become easier, but that hasn't been the case. A growing appetite for cheap, mass-produced goods has overshadowed the initial drive for quality that once defined consumer expectations. This shift has led to a surge in poorly made products that prioritize cost over craftsmanship.

Take a look around any workshop, and you’ll notice a stark contrast between the tools of yesterday and those of today. In our shop, we still have tools that have been in use for decades, some of which even belonged to our children's great-grandparents. Years ago, nearly every tool was proudly labeled "Made in USA" or “Made in Canada.” At that time, purchasing anything with a foreign label was often frowned upon. Unfortunately, that sentiment has changed rapidly. Now, it’s increasingly difficult to find products that are truly Made in the USA or Canada, and when they do appear, they often come with the caveat of containing "global parts."

Our manufacturing floor at our headquarters near Consort, AB

For those of us committed to manufacturing in North America, the challenges are numerous. We face constant headaches from suppliers who attempt to pass off Chinese-made products as 'Made in USA' or 'Made in Canada' without proper transparency. Additionally, the cost of goods sold is significantly higher when trying to maintain quality standards that consumers expect. There’s also the persistent issue of aftermarket parts or pumps being marketed as equivalent to our premium offerings, often at a fraction of the price, but with inferior quality.  This runs the risk of causing catastrophic failure and tarnishing the name we have worked hard to build.

Headquarters & The Devine Family Home near Consort, AB

It's important to note that finding the same level of quality in overseas parts as in products made in the USA or Canada is exceedingly difficult, if not nearly impossible. Nonetheless, this does not mean we will never need to source material or equipment from abroad. As the domestic supply dwindles, we may have no choice but to produce some of our products in countries like China or India. When we attempt to manufacture everything in Canada, we risk pricing ourselves out of the North American market. Meanwhile, many U.S. shops have shifted their high-volume production overseas, leaving us with limited options for finding partners capable of producing what we require.

Manufacturing floor at headquarters near Consort, AB

While we remain hopeful about our manufacturing capabilities in North America, we must acknowledge that this process is complex.   For now, we continue to navigate these challenging waters, striving to uphold the values of quality and craftsmanship that once defined North American manufacturing.

In a world where the allure of cheaper products often overshadows quality, our commitment to producing reliable, high-quality goods in North America remains steadfast. Despite the challenges, there is still a place for Made in USA and Canada products in the hearts of consumers who value quality over quantity.