Power of local manufacturing evident in Montana

Small manufacturing businesses have long been the backbone of employment — and nowhere is this more evident than in Montana. These companies are not part of a giant system; they are the system. They create their own jobs, shape their work environments, and their employees wear many hats in a single day. 

While many industries have shifted toward mass production and global outsourcing, local manufacturing stays true to local values: quality over quantity, relationships over transactions, and ingenuity over conformity.

Being based in Montana comes with its own set of hurdles — we are remote, shipping is expensive, and resources can be scarce. But these challenges strengthen our manufacturing community. Without big city conveniences, we are forced to solve problems ourselves. That necessity brings out a unique kind of innovation and ingenuity —one that sets “Made in Montana” products apart. 

In an industry like ours, dominated by massive skincare brands, breaking in might be easy— but surviving and thriving requires creativity and efficiency. As a natural skincare manufacturer, we handle almost everything in-house: production, marketing, photography, website management, and customer service. We have built a vertically integrated, lean operation that maintains the highest quality, controls every step of the process, and allows us to pivot quickly when needed. 

This agility is one of the greatest strengths of a small manufacturing business. It also creates a fulfilling, dynamic work environment for the team. 

Personally, this flexibility, combined with the collaborative energy of a small team, is one of the things I love most about running a local manufacturing company. Is it demanding? Yes, but incredibly rewarding. 

Manufacturing locally allows us to build real relationships, with our team, our suppliers, and our customers. When you use one of our products, you know exactly who made it. You are not buying from a faceless brand; you are supporting a small team of people who care deeply about what they do. That human connection matters, especially in something as personal as skincare. 

And the rewards extend beyond the product. Local manufacturing creates steady, well-paying jobs. It gives workers a voice in how their workplace evolves. Most importantly, it helps preserve the creative, hardworking spirit that defines Montana. 

If you are curious to see how a small Montana manufacturing business runs, we love to show you around. Join Kettle Care Botanicals during the Manufacturing Month for a tour of our facility on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 3 p.m., located at 3575 U.S. 93 N, just north of the new water tower in Kalispell. Come meet the people behind the products and see how local manufacturing is thriving — right here in Montana. 

Annegret Pfeifer is the president of Kettle Care Botanicals.