Thursday, March 19th, 2009
Brooklyn umbrella maker struggles to compete with foreign imports.
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.
Thursday, March 19th, 2009
Custom metal fabricators rely on a niche market and skilled labor for
survival.
Thursday, March 19th, 2009
“Black and white” cookie bakers must find affordable rent or they’ll have to
set up shop outside the city.
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.
Read More …
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.
Read More …
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.
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 …
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009
Production credits for Uncertain Industry. Read More …
