I keep waiting for the time when I can say the “Made in China“ stigma is over. I feel that day is getting closer, but it’s a lot like the wait for that up and coming part of town, that has been getting better for the past 10 years, to get better. We all recognize that US manufacturing has had to address the off-shore challenge. Even the venerable precision toolmaker and machinist brand, L.S. Starrett - made in America since 1880, has come to terms with this and it is making products in Asia.

At what point is “Made in China” going to be acceptable? According to Steve Jobs, it’s acceptable for products to be made in China as long as they are “Designed by Apple in California.” However, this just adds to the lower quality perceptions. Finally, a company like container manufacturer Zevro comes along, makes quality products, and challenges the origin story in an interesting way by spinning it to, “Made with love in China.” Will efforts like this counter the inferiority complex? I personally feel they will, and as more companies begin to get over it, so will the consumers.