Made in the USA

As we plan for the July 4th holiday, many of us are thinking of good food, relaxation and fun with family and friends.  This is a time when most feel a heighten sense of pride for our country. At Befour, Inc. – manufacture of precision weight scales – we capture that feeling of pride every day of the week…all year long. Befour scales have always been made right here in the USA and although we can feel the pressures of cutting corners by outsourcing to foreign countries or procuring materials from overseas, we have never wavered on our commitment to build our scales right here at home. 

When looking to make a purchase, “Made in the USA” may or may not be a contributing factor on your final decision. Even so, it may be worth taking a closer look at the possible negative impacts foreign manufacturing can have on the US economy.

Job Losses

One of the primary concerns of producing overseas is the loss of manufacturing jobs right here in the United States. When companies choose to manufacture goods in foreign countries with lower labor costs, it often leads to the closure of domestic factories and the relocation of production facilities. This can negatively impact communities, creating loss of jobs and unemployment, which can lead to financial constraints for individuals and families.

Loss of Technological Competitiveness

Manufacturing plays a crucial role in fostering technological innovation and competitiveness. When production is shifted overseas, the U.S. may lose out on valuable opportunities for technological advancement. Manufacturing is closely tied to research and development, supply chain optimization, and the creation of new technologies. The loss of domestic manufacturing capabilities can hinder the country's ability to innovate and remain at the forefront of technological advancements across all markets – including medical equipment.

Environmental Impact

Manufacturing processes in some foreign countries may have lower environmental standards compared to the United States. The relocation of manufacturing to countries with lax environmental regulations can result in increased pollution, resource depletion, and carbon emissions. This not only contributes to global environmental challenges but also creates an uneven playing field for domestic industries that must comply with stricter environmental laws and regulations. In addition, consider the carbon footprint that is left in the wake of transporting goods 8,000 miles across countries and importing into the US. This all adds to large scale pollution and negative environmental impacts. 

Wage Suppression

Foreign manufacturing can contribute to wage suppression in the United States. As companies move production to countries with lower labor costs, they may pressure domestic workers to accept lower wages to remain competitive. This can create downward pressure on wages across various sectors, affecting workers' earning potential and contributing to income inequality.

Trade Imbalances

The final negative impact worth highlighting is the potential trade imbalance that may occur. The offshoring of manufacturing can exacerbate trade imbalances between the United States and other countries. When the US imports more manufactured goods than it exports, it leads to a trade deficit. This deficit can have long-term consequences for the US economy, including currency devaluation, increased debt, and potential reliance on foreign nations for essential goods.

Made-In-America is more than just a stamp or label put on a product for the benefit of marketing. It represents quality standards, labor regulations, technological innovations and the support of local economies. Knowing that our products represent American Made and are in service all across our country summons a pride like no other. Our team at Befour commits their talents and hard-work to making quality, long-lasting products that can be relied upon. The Befour facility where product design, manufacturing, sales, marketing, and customer service are all based in Saukville, Wisconsin.  American Made goods put money into our local economies, fueling growth, investment, and... independence. And that, we think, is worth some fireworks.