Cleveland Hardware & Forging

So Shawn and I have been working on launching a new product (a stainless steel bar spoon for stirring cocktails), and really really really really really wanted to make it in the USA. I can’t tell you how many metal smiths and machine shops and forging companies we’ve contacted over the last three months.
Cleveland Hardware was by far our very best experience during manufacturing conversations. Kevin Miller, the Engineering Manager, spent hours with me on the phone (if you add up our 4 or 5 conversations, lasting a minimum of 20 minutes each), discussing the project, understanding our manufacturing needs and requirements, and taking time to learn and understand the product. us, our goals, and our dream.
A bar spoon is very different from the typical work they do (lots of hardware and intricate truck parts and other things — check out their website), but it shared some similarities as far as small parts and intricacies, and Kevin was excited about the opportunity to work on something new and creative and different.
Most of the other manufacturers I contacted saw the challenge as a lot of undesirable work and a headache, and were happy to end negotiations with a curt email. Kevin really engaged with me on the project, even coming up with suggested design modifications based on his expertise. He even did independent research and emailed me links about bar spoons and the way they used to be made «back in the day»
Long story shorter, Cleveland Hardware was my last chance to have this made in the USA, but due to factors beyond my control (e.g. no one wants to buy a $ 150 bar spoon, and that’s what I’d have to charge to make it domestically), we’re having to explore overseas options. Kevin will certainly be the first person I contact when I have a product that can be domestically made using their metal processes.