Sharpie Success Story: How American Manufacturing Defies Globalization

By Daniel McCarthy

President Donald Trump’s affinity for Sharpie pens has taken on new significance as the company behind them, Newell Brands, emerges as a beacon of domestic manufacturing success. The president famously signed executive orders with a Sharpie, a tool he has relied on for years due to its reliability over more expensive alternatives. What sets Sharpie apart is its near-complete American production, with only the felt tip sourced from Japan.

Newell Brands’ ability to maintain affordability while producing high-quality pens in the U.S. highlights a broader lesson for American industry. In 2018, the company invested in modernizing its Tennessee factory to produce a new gel Sharpie model. This required upgrading machinery and retraining workers, but the results were transformative. Employees gained access to higher education through company-funded programs, leading to a 50% average wage increase over five years.

This approach challenges globalization’s narrative that higher wages and technological investment inevitably hurt profits. Newell’s production costs dropped despite rising salaries, proving that American manufacturing can thrive with strategic domestic investment. The company’s model mirrors historical patterns where rising wages, technological advancement, and consumer spending fueled economic growth.

While Trump’s policies have drawn criticism for increasing government involvement in industries like steel and semiconductors, the Sharpie case underscores the importance of private-sector leadership. For many manufacturers, sustained success hinges on balancing innovation with workforce development. As global competition intensifies, maintaining a competitive edge requires not just tariffs but also long-term commitments to American factories and workers.

Newell Brands’ story offers a rare example of manufacturing resilience, demonstrating that America’s industrial future remains viable when businesses prioritize domestic investment over short-term cost-cutting.