Large manufacturers get all the attention, but that network of small manufacturers around them plays an essential role to getting product into the hands of the customers who need it, when they need it and with the quality they expect. Not to mention the economic impact small manufacturers deliver to the regions and municipalities in which they operate.

The small supplier community could provide even greater impact were it more visible, says Ilana Preuss, founder of Recast City. In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Pruess, a self-described champion of small-scale manufacturing, discusses regional collaboration, outreach and advocacy, and how manufacturers of any size can help increase the visibility of the small supplier community.

Among the discussion points Pruess addresses:

• How to build a comprehensive list of small manufacturers within a community or region.
• Why do so many small manufacturers fly under the radar, and how networks help raise visibility and opportunity.
• What you can learn from existing models and technologies. The Carolina Textile District, Nterprisers and Forge are among the sources Preuss cites.
• What small manufacturers can do to raise awareness. For example, demand attention, Preuss says. “What do I mean by that? I mean things like calling an elected official and saying you need to take care of this business sector. We are here, and we are part of your thriving economy. And you need to direct resources towards us.”  
• How large manufacturers can help.

“I think it is really essential for us to get our arms around who is in the sector, the economic impact of this sector, so that our community leaders, the economic development directors, the mayors, the governors understand that our current domestic small manufacturers are not only worthy of investment but essential for investment for the sake of our economy,” Preuss concludes.

Get more insights from Preuss at IndustryWeek in Regional Manufacturing Networks Need More Visibility.