Highland Forge, a producer of specialty drapery hardware, is located in a facility close to downtown Atlanta, thirty miles south of her. The sounds of grinding metal reverberate throughout the warehouse as steel rods are welded, sending sparks flying. Among the clamor, Highland Forge co-owner Mark Woodward triumphantly looks out over everything.
President Donald Trump has stated that he is placing tariffs on domestic manufacturers, which includes Robinson and Woodward. Both of them are as Made in America as possible.
All of Robinson’s fabric comes from American mills. American companies stamp her drawings and colors into textiles. Basically, the only items that are not made in the country are thread and zippers. Her staff is capable of producing 750 clothes per week at its peak.
The raw or stainless steel used in Woodward’s products is sourced from American mills. The curtain rods, brackets, rings, and finials are then cut, welded, polished, and powder coated in Atlanta.
Woodward and Robinson are reaping distinct benefits from tariffs, demonstrating how Trump’s disparate approaches have led to unequal results for business owners.
Trump set the tone for the next six months of his presidency when he placed tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico only hours into his second term. Since then, Trump has declared plans to impose import duties on more than 180 nations and a variety of items.
He has employed the threat of tariffs as a tool to alter global supply chains and trade balances, as well as a cudgel to alter national conduct. While many tariffs have not yet taken effect, some have. Many of the suspensions are scheduled to end on August 1, when Trump announced that tariffs of up to 50% on copper and dozens of other countries would take effect.
Trump imposed 25% tariffs on raw steel and steel-derived products as early as March. Woodward stated, “I’m so glad that we’re made here in the USA,” as soon as he learned about the import charges.
Since purchasing Highland Forge in 2021 with his business partner Ford Kinzey, Woodward has served as its leader. According to Woodward, tariffs have been a huge tailwind. He didn’t raise his pricing, but his rivals did.
Woodward is hearing from new customers who say that when the tariffs were implemented, they began searching for other suppliers. From March to June of this year, Highland Forge’s revenues increased by almost 40% over the previous year. In order to meet demand, he has added two posts.
However, the ongoing changes in Trump’s tariff policy have caused a great deal of worry for other business owners, such as Robinson.
In 2012, Robinson introduced the first version of Vertical Activewear, initially producing it abroad. However, she claimed that the quality control problems were a nightmare and that she ultimately left the company.
The urge to entrepreneurship, however, persisted. In December 2019, she introduced her American-made version of Vertical Activewear, producing clothing for both her own brand and other businesses.
Robinson stated that since Trump proposed tariffs, her site has had a 145% rise in visitors, with one day in late February seeing a 700% increase in traffic compared to early January.
Miguel Martinez-Jimenez is credited.
Miguel Martinez-Jimenez is credited.
However, sales haven’t entirely reflected that. Despite the fact that she has gained some new customers, Robinson stated that many are delaying supply chain changes until regulations are more firmly established.
“We’ve received a few serious inquiries,” she stated. However, after the spike in questions, things have somewhat subsided.
According to her, they’re attempting to figure it out while waiting.
Robinson is not by himself. Michelle Dennard, a regional executive and vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Jacksonville branch, stated that tariffs are creating uncertainty for entrepreneurs.
According to Dennard, many companies are opting to simply put things on hold for the time being until they have a better understanding of the potential consequences of tariffs.
Robinson is optimistic about the potential impact of Trump’s tariffs on her company if they are eventually enacted. However, she warns that in order to satisfy the possible demand, she might have problems recruiting qualified people. According to Robinson, she was able to locate Veronica Chapman, the lead sewist and miracle worker for Vertical Activewear, who helped her realize her dream.
Miguel Martinez-Jimenez is credited.
Miguel Martinez-Jimenez is credited.
Chapman, who makes the capes offered at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutiques, learned to sew when she was young and has since worked for companies including Disney, Nike, and Spanx. However, it’s uncommon to find someone with Chapman’s level of experience. According to Robinson, outsourcing has resulted in the loss of around two generations of sewers.
Chapman muttered in agreement, “Mm-hmm.”
Finding dependable, meticulous employees has been difficult for Woodward. However, the business will not be able to grow without additional employees.
It’s a niche company, which is the limiting element for us, Woodward stated. Therefore, it’s uncommon to come across someone with this firsthand experience. We have a distinct set of fabrication methods.
Due to Woodward’s objectives, he has been attempting to find workers by collaborating with nearby technical colleges. If the business can meet the current demand fueled by tariffs, he intends to hire at least one more fabricator this year and expand to start producing custom fireplace screens the next year.
The black leggings are finished for the time being at Vertical Activewear as the sewing machine slows down. Robinson will eventually tag and ship them, bringing her fantasy to life in tangible form. It is yet unknown if the changes brought forth by tariffs would cause her firm to flourish.
