R&D/Leverage is the first U.S. mold maker and structural brand development company to be certified "Made In USA," according to Robert Schiavone, global marketing director for the company. R&D/Leverage is a full-service plastic product solutions company that created the "Idea, to Mold" business model.

The announcement from Made in USA Certified, a leader in independent third-party assurance verification for genuine American-made products and services, underscores the acceleration of U.S. on-shoring of manufacturing and the concurrent rise of interest in U.S.-sourced products and services amongst customers, the general business community and current and future employees.

"We are proud of our Made In USA designation, for both our own accomplishments and because it represents the strength and innovation of the U.S. plastics industry," says Schiavone. "Belief in our country's manufacturing prowess has never been greater. Frankly, the scope, strength and innovation of our homegrown plastics industry is a beacon to all industrialized nations that the U.S. is firing on all cylinders."

The enhanced problem-solving capabilities and scope of expertise of full-service domestic solutions providers such as R&D/Leverage have helped accelerate the flow of project on-shoring to the U.S., as have factors such as rising transportation and labor costs in the Pacific Rim. "When you examine all the elements of the job, from quality to time-to-market, to overall cost, the U.S. plastics solution is extremely attractive to our customers," Schiavone says. "And for those customers seeking certification will look for suppliers that already have won the designation."

"In the past, Chinese providers would just throw bodies at an assignment, give the low labor rate. Now, however, the savvy customer sees the big picture, which is that we in the U.S. can increase supply chain efficiencies and deliver a higher quality outcome," Schiavone says, adding that the Made In USA certification has particular resonance amongst potential employees. 

"Experienced military veterans as well as younger folks, two groups that will help lead us in our business' future, respond very positively to the Made in USA designation," he says. "This is a banner that will help us attract the best and brightest of tomorrow's plastics industry superstars, and reignite interest in U.S. industry amongst some just entering the workforce."

Adds Adam Reiser, Made in USA Certified's CEO and co-founder, "The United States has always dominated the plastics industry. Our country is known the world over as having undisputed quality, workmanship, design and production. This is one leadership position the United States should strive fiercely to protect. We are so pleased to have R&D/Leverage as the very first Made in USA Certified structural brand development and mold manufacturer in the U.S."