On point: Sharpie shows how domestic-made is a competitive advantage

Today, most Sharpie pens – which are available in 93 colors – are made in Maryville, Tennessee, along with Paper Mate pens, Expo markers, and Elmer’s Glue. But it hasn’t always been this way. In 2018, a large percentage of Sharpies were made overseas.

But then Newell Brands CEO Chris Peterson smartly saw an opportunity that few CEOs seem to be able to recognize, and that was to make dramatic improvements to Newell’s U.S. manufacturing. Peterson envisioned he could increase efficiency without raising costs or reducing headcount.