Trade negotiations are heating up around the globe, and all eyes are on America’s factories. New international deals and tariff threats have been making headlines, but there’s another story unfolding on the factory floor. Marlin Steel CEO Drew Greenblatt shares a view many Americans might not hear in most news reports: now is a bright moment for the nation’s manufacturing workers, and the outlook is more optimistic than you might think.
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America’s Race to Secure Trade Deals Before Tariffs Hit
Countries everywhere are scrambling to sign new trade deals as a major deadline approaches. President Trump has set a Thursday cutoff for steep, reciprocal tariff increases. If countries don’t strike agreements in time, their exports to the U.S. could face stiff new costs. Several nations have already moved into action, eager to avoid those tariffs and keep trade moving.
Last week, the administration reached a high-profile trade agreement with the European Union. Other countries are at the table too, working to lock down deals before the deadline hits. This rush isn’t just about paperwork and press releases. It’s about real dollars, jobs, and supply chains for manufacturers around the world.
Tariffs are more than a buzzword. They raise the cost of foreign-made goods, pushing companies to rethink where they build products. For global manufacturers, shipping goods into an unpredictable American market suddenly looks risky and expensive. With every new policy tweak, the ripple effects grow.
Key reasons the trade talks matter right now:
- Tariffs could make foreign goods up to 15% more expensive for American buyers.
- Major economies like Germany, Japan, and the UK face tough decisions about where they locate factories.
- The U.S. market remains critical for many exporting nations.
As negotiations come down to the wire, American businesses are watching closely. The stakes aren’t just international—they are shaping decisions in hometown factories and on Main Street.
A Manufacturer’s Take: Drew Greenblatt and the Changing Economy
Drew Greenblatt, CEO of Marlin Steel, has a first-hand view of these changes. Marlin Steel makes wire baskets, and their factory in Baltimore is busy. The company leader recalls a visit back in 2016, when he said he was rooting for deregulation and a business-friendly climate. A few years later, he sees his outlook paying off.
Last week, the U.S. posted a robust 3% GDP growth. However, there was also a jobs report that fell flat. Greenblatt recognizes both numbers, but he keeps his focus on the long-term trend. In his view, the new wave of trade policies and tariff threats is reshaping global manufacturing in ways that favor American workers.
He describes what’s happening: with increasing tariffs and operating costs abroad, factory owners in places like Germany, Japan, and England are rethinking their plans. High local taxes, soaring energy bills, and now fresh tariffs on exports to America are pushing companies to reconsider where they build. For many, the answer is clear. Building in America and serving American customers makes more sense than shipping across oceans and paying extra tariffs.
As Greenblatt puts it, this “is going to be a great time for American factory workers.”
When international companies bring factories to the U.S., they offer good jobs to local workers. The benefits go beyond just job creation at the new plant. Local suppliers also win. From boxes to pallets to the steel baskets Marlin produces, a whole ecosystem grows.
Local suppliers stand to benefit:
- Box manufacturers provide packaging for finished goods.
- Pallet companies ship parts and products to customers.
- Marlin Steel supplies custom baskets to support production lines.
Greenblatt calls this moment a “fabulous time for American factory workers”—one that reaches far beyond the employees who clock in at the plant each day.
He also challenges the wider media narrative. In his view, the media isn’t giving enough credit to these positive developments on the ground.
Marlin Steel is not waiting on the sidelines. The company is actively hiring, growing, and investing for the future. Greenblatt makes it clear that now is not the time for hesitation. Instead, Marlin is adding staff and purchasing new equipment across its three operating locations: Indiana, Michigan, and Baltimore.
The decision to expand isn’t just about optimism. It’s a direct response to what he sees as a true reindustrialization of America. The company is “leaning in,” with new investments fueling more jobs and production capacity. It’s the kind of manufacturing success story that doesn’t make front-page news but is changing lives in local communities.
The media, Greenblatt argues, isn’t telling this story. To him, mainstream coverage fails to capture the optimism and drive that he sees in the country’s manufacturing sector.
Factory jobs are not what they once were in the American imagination. The average wage for an American factory worker today is above $80,000, with strong benefits packages that include health care and retirement plans like 401(k)s. These positions support families and build local economies. In Greenblatt’s words, “We need more of these jobs in our country.”
Three top reasons Marlin Steel is optimistic about hiring and growth:
- Rising demand from U.S.-based manufacturing as more companies “build here, rather than dump goods here.”
- Company expansion across multiple states creates new opportunities for skilled workers.
- Quality factory jobs now offer strong salaries and benefits, making them attractive long-term careers.
Manufacturers like Drew Greenblatt experience the impact of these trade shifts daily. His plants are hiring, expanding, and adapting to a changing market. He insists this real-world story deserves more attention.
“The media is missing what’s happening. It’s such an optimistic good time for a factory worker. These are good jobs—we’re talking about health care, 401k, and strong wages. We need more of these jobs in our country.”
Factory jobs today support families, drive community growth, and help renew pride in American industries. Stories from leaders like Greenblatt offer a crucial angle often “missed” in wider coverage.
As new tariffs and trade deals reshape how and where products are made, American factory workers stand at a turning point. Companies like Marlin Steel are expanding, hiring, and planning for a stronger future. Many foreign companies are moving production stateside, which means a fresh wave of jobs and opportunity.
While mainstream outlets may focus on political battles or bumpy jobs data, the real change is happening inside America’s factories. If these trends continue, the coming years could mark a new chapter for high-quality manufacturing jobs and local suppliers across the country. For now, Greenblatt and his team are ready, eager, and waiting for tomorrow’s opportunities—one steel basket at a time.
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Author: Economic Report
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