By Pratt Center for Community Development
Urban manufacturing is being reborn in the United States. New small-batch producers are creating well-paying jobs in many cities that were once abandoned by more traditional manufacturers. Greater access to production technologies is making it possible for designers and entrepreneurs to innovate and create jobs by producing small runs, testing markets, refining designs and then launching new businesses. “Making,” “producing” and “manufacturing” are becoming more valued and respected activities. That renewed interest is stimulating the growth of a new wave of maker entrepreneurs, inspiring new curricula to support our next generation of manufacturers and encouraging consumers to look for locally made products.