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New York City was once the capital of American manufacturing. In 1950, the city boasted nearly one million manufacturing jobs. By 2007 that number had dwindled to 100,000. Today, New York's surviving factories face stiff competition from foreign imports, and they have to fight for space against condo developments and businesses ranging from art galleries to clothing stores. What has losing this vital source of jobs meant for New York's economy? The following videos profile three longtime manufacturers facing the challenges of doing business in New York City.

Embee Sunshade

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

Brooklyn umbrella maker struggles to compete with foreign imports.

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Milgo/Bufkin

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

Custom metal fabricators rely on a niche market and skilled labor for
survival.

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Angel’s Bakery

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

“Black and white” cookie bakers must find affordable rent or they’ll have to
set up shop outside the city.

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Milgo/Bufkin Metal in Manhattan

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

As rising fuel prices increase the cost of shipping, local manufacturers become attractive to customers looking to save money on shipping fees. Because of their proximity to their clients, local manufacturers can also deliver products much faster than their foreign competitors.

Milgo/Bufkin, a custom metal fabricator located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, shapes metal into architectural components and fine sculpture. The majority of Milgo/Bufkin’s customers are located in New York City — an important reason the company continues to operate within city limits.
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New York City Factories, Then & Now

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

For decades, developers have been finding new uses for old factories. In this slideshow, view manufacturing spaces before and after their conversions.
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Does NYC Industrial Zoning Policy Preserve Local Manufacturing?

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

Brad Lander, Director of the Pratt Center for Community Development, discusses the pros & cons of the Mayor’s Industrial Business Zone plan.

NYC Manufacturing in Decline

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

The transition from an industrial economy to a postindustrial economy, as Daniel L. Doctoroff, the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Rebuilding in New York City put it, comes at the expense of high-paying working class jobs. Read More …

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Production Credits

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

Production credits for Uncertain Industry. Read More …

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NYC Manufacturing Links and Resources
- Made in NYC
  Made In NYC is the leading directory of products manufactured in New York City. There are over 7,000 manufacturing companies in NYC, employing nearly 100,000 New Yorkers.
- Manufacturers Association of New York City
  MANYC is a not-for-profit association of New York City manufacturing business owners and other interested parties who have come together to educate the public sector about the important role played by the manufacturing sector in the local economy.
- New York City Industrial Development Agency
  New York City Industrial Development Agency (NYCIDA) is a public benefit corporation organized under Article 18-A of the New York State General Municipal Law to serve the five boroughs of New York City.
- New York Industrial Retention Network
  The New York Industrial Retention Network (NYIRN) is a non-profit economic development organization established in 1997 to strengthen New York City’s manufacturing sector and promote sustainable development.
- Pratt Center for Community Development
  The Pratt Center for Community Development works for a more just, equitable, and sustainable city for all New Yorkers, by empowering communities to plan for and realize their futures.
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