In the latest episode of The Manufacturing Report podcast, host Scott Paul sits down with Drew Greenblatt, President of Marlin Steel, to discuss how his company pivoted from making commodity bagel baskets to high-end engineered products, successfully competing against heavily subsidized Chinese imports. Greenblatt’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to American manufacturing and its workforce.
Founded in 1998, Marlin Steel initially planned to continue its 30-year history of producing bagel baskets for shops across the country. However, the influx of low-cost Chinese imports quickly devastated the business model, as Greenblatt found himself unable to compete with the heavily subsidized products and lacking the resources to file anti-dumping cases.
The turning point came when a Boeing engineer called looking for a custom basket. Greenblatt had an epiphany: by focusing on quality, engineering, and quick delivery, Marlin Steel could differentiate itself and beat China at its own game.
If I could do that, I could beat China. I could navigate this lane. I could save my employees and we could grow and thrive. So that was the pivot. That was the demarcation from utter abject failure, hemorrhaging cash, losing money month in, month out, losing all my savings, right? Literally putting things on credit card to make the company survive, okay? To, oh, wait a second, we got a viable path.
The transformation was remarkable. Marlin Steel expanded from a 3,000-square-foot facility to a 200,000-square-foot operation, serving clients in medical devices, aerospace, and food processing. Employees saw significant wage increases, comprehensive benefits, and generous 401k plans. The company’s safety record is impeccable, with its Baltimore plant achieving over 1,500 days without an incident.
Greenblatt is a vocal advocate for smart economic policies that protect critical industries and level the playing field for American workers. He emphasizes the need for reciprocity in trade relationships and argues for higher tariffs on countries with unfair practices and lower standards.
The proposed tax bill, Greenblatt believes, could be a game-changer for American manufacturing, incentivizing investment and the reshoring of factories. Combined with reciprocal tariffs and reduced regulations, these policies could lead to a renaissance in US industrial production.
“If we could have this level setting, it’s going to be so good for the American worker, and we’re going to create a lot of $80,000 a year jobs. And we’re going to have situations where we’re not getting 80% of our semiconductors from Taiwan. And we’re going to have boats made in America again, like we should.”
Workforce development remains a challenge, but one that Greenblatt is tackling head-on. By promoting manufacturing as an attractive career with good pay and benefits, providing upskilling opportunities, and even extending second chances to ex-offenders, Marlin Steel is building a skilled and dedicated team.
For aspiring manufacturers, Greenblatt recommends seeking assistance from Manufacturing Extension Partnerships, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the Small Business Administration, which has recently increased its lending for the sector.
Ultimately, Greenblatt sees supporting small and medium-sized manufacturers as the key to reviving American industry. Through his meetings with Presidents Bush, Obama, Biden, and Trump, he has consistently advocated for policies that address trade inequities and create an ecosystem in which these businesses can thrive.
Marlin Steel’s story is a testament to the resilience and potential of American manufacturing. By embracing innovation, investing in its people, and advocating for smart policies, the company has not only survived but thrived in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. As Greenblatt puts it, “We make it level. We’re going to thrive. We’re going to hire a lot of talent.”
To learn more about Marlin Steel, visit marlinwire.com, and be sure to follow Drew Greenblatt on LinkedIn for more insights on manufacturing and trade policy.
