What it Means to be Made in America

Domestic/Made in America Ball Valves

When you hear the term “domestic” you might automatically think a product is manufactured in the country it is being sold in. This statement can be somewhat misleading as many products that are labeled as “domestic” may have a significant percentage of the completed product manufactured outside of the Country of Sale.

Quality of the Ball Valve

The quality of a ball valve is measured in the sum of the design, engineering standards and manufacturing processes utilized in building the finished product.

To perform the job it was intended for, a valve must be manufactured to precise tolerances incorporating high-quality materials and consistent manufacturing practices. This is why it is important to carefully consider the actual origin of an assembled floating ball valve before making an informed purchase.

Overseas Made or Assembled

Many companies that offer floating ball valves make claims that their products are “domestic” in origin and therefore American made. Some of these companies may import components or sub-assemblies from overseas and then assemble the valves in the United States. While this may try to leave an impression that the valves have been produced “domestically”, it does not necessarily mean that they have substantially benefited from being “Made in USA”.

American Made

To truly be considered “Made in USA”, a product must be manufactured from start finish in the United States, using predominantly American-made components and materials. The US Government has established procurement standards that provide a criterion to better assess the level of domestic American content in an individual product.

The Buy American Act (BAA) established in 1933 applies to direct purchases made by the United States Government. The BAA ensures Government purchase requirements prefer U.S made products with a minimum of 65% U.S. content sourced from the U.S.

The Build America Buy America Act (BABA) of 2021 established a domestic content procurement preference for all Federal financial assistance on infrastructure projects. To qualify all products used in the projects are produced in the United States. This means that all the manufactured product was manufactured in the United States; and the cost of the components of the manufactured product that are mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States is greater than 55% of the total cost of all components manufactured.

Domestic US production is generally regarded to be Made in America if at least 80% of the total product cost comes from materials and labor directly manufactured and built in the U.S.

A Made in USA product must be all, or virtually all made in the USA. The products origin must be predominantly from the U.S. and the final assembly or processing of the product must occur in the US. Any significant processing steps must also be done in the US. All or virtually all the product’s components should have made domestically.

Incorporating these standards as part of our part numbering system, allows EDi to identify the qualifying level of American domestic content on every ball valve we manufacture. As our business growth and supply chain challenges continue to impact our manufacturing goals and objectives, EDi remains committed to ensuring our clear support to American business remains visible to our customers, suppliers and employees on every EDi valve.

Benefits of Buying American Made Floating Ball Valves

American manufacturing is subject to more rigorous quality control, safety and employment standards than those in place in other emerging countries. Our access to the latest technologies, manufacturing processes, and industrial equipment combine with our well-trained work force to ensure the consistency, efficiency and quality of every EDi product.

Supporting EDi American-made Floating ball valves supports American jobs and the American economy. When you buy a valve that is manufactured in the United States, you are supporting American workers and their families. This helps to strengthen the economy and create more job opportunities for Americans.

When shopping for Floating ball valves, it is important to do your research and choose a reputable manufacturer that truly produces American-made valves. Look for companies that are transparent about their manufacturing processes and materials sourcing, and that have a proven track record of producing high-quality valves that meet industry standards.

This ensures that the product delivers a high standard of quality and performance, while also supporting American jobs and the economy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, just because a product is labeled as “domestic” does not necessarily mean that it is “Made in USA”. This is especially true for floating ball valves, which are critical components in many industrial and manufacturing processes. When choosing a floating ball valve, it is important to carefully consider the origin of the valve and choose a reputable manufacturer that truly produces American-made valves. In doing so, you can ensure superior quality and performance, while also supporting American jobs and the economy.