As the White House turns its focus to American-made products with a weeklong program showcasing homegrown goods and companies, HLC Inc. (Homer Laughlin China Company) was chosen to represent West Virginia in the “Made in America Product Showcase” as part of “Made in America Week.” Only one company from each of the 50 states was selected to be highlighted in the celebration.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a whirlwind adventure, really,” says Katie Bricker, director of foodservice marketing, HLC Inc. “I found out about this, like the rest of the country, late last week and was so honored to be invited to represent West Virginia, but also in a broader way among genuine American manufacturers from every corner of the country.”
Since its founding during Ulysses S. Grant’s administration in 1871, HLC has made its durable, lead-free dinnerware in America, and is the only remaining large-scale U.S. manufacturer doing so. Classics like Fiesta are so much a part of the nation’s fabric that for many Americans, the table isn’t complete until it is set with the colorful, collectible dinnerware. And since 1959, the Homer Laughlin China Company has offered a broad range of dinnerware for restaurants, hotels, and institutions.
Made in America Week seeks to honor the skilled tradespeople whose work has set the standard for quality worldwide. As it relates to HLC, the workers of the upper Ohio River Valley are the lifeblood of the company name, lending their craftsmanship and dedication to making products that stand the test of time.
“Homer Laughlin is so proud to manufacture in the U.S. and to supply jobs to over 800 workers in our community. To have been recognized for our commitment to being “Made in America” was truly remarkable,” continues Bricker. “HLC has always been interested in American jobs and American manufacturing—we’ve been doing it for 150 years. That’s the kind of commitment we hope to see among all American enterprises.”
The company stands proudly with manufacturers from the other 49 states to honor what American workers and American industries have been able to achieve.
