In Kansas City, Missouri, Allied Materials stands as a significant player in the American flag manufacturing industry, celebrating its commitment to patriotism as the country approaches its 250th anniversary. Since its inception in 1951, the company has embraced the Fourth of July, preparing months in advance for this crucial period when many Americans display their national pride. As the largest vertically integrated flag manufacturer in the United States, Allied Materials produces approximately 1,000 flags daily, catering to military funerals, government buildings, and private homes across the nation. Tyler Young, the company’s president, likens this busy season to a holiday, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling orders to honor the nation’s spirit.
Allied Materials crafts over 300,000 flags each year for federal agencies, including the U.S. Senate and the Department of Defense. Each flag is made to meet strict U.S. government specifications, ensuring that all materials, from cotton seeds to dyed fabric, are sourced domestically. Young stresses that they spare no expense in the production process, which results in a high-quality product that reflects the values of those who fly them. Each flag undergoes meticulous preparation: American-grown cotton or nylon is dyed, cut, and sewn in Kansas City, while star fields are embroidered in the company’s Louisiana facility, ensuring a consistent and high standard throughout.
The production of flags at Allied Materials is more than a job; for many employees, it is a personal commitment. Veteran workers, like Terry Walker, express deep respect for the flags that grace the coffins of fallen soldiers, highlighting the emotional significance behind each product. Young echoes this sentiment, reinforcing the company’s responsibility to produce a flawless emblem that honors the sacrifices made by service members. He notes that the completion of each flag, though only taking hours to construct, embodies a purpose that lasts a lifetime.
Looking ahead to the 250th anniversary of the United States, Allied Materials is gearing up for what it anticipates could be the largest flag-flying event in the country’s history. Young indicates that they are proactively marketing their products and building inventory to accommodate anticipated demand, whether from individual consumers or governmental bodies planning ceremonies. This foresight reflects the company’s dedication not just to its craft, but also to contributing to a collective national celebration of freedom and history.
The company takes pride in its domestic production, especially when faced with recent challenges in global supply chains due to tariffs on imports. Young points out that while many competitors struggled with these disruptions, Allied Materials remained unaffected, which allowed them to reassure clients about the reliability of their American-made products. This commitment to local manufacturing is further underscored by allied partnerships and a focus on maintaining quality in every flag produced—ranging from two by three feet to larger ten by fifteen feet versions—ensuring they all meet government standards for quality and durability.
Ultimately, Young emphasizes that a flag embodies more than just the fabric; it holds a rich history and represents the collective journey of the nation. As Allied Materials prepares for an iconic celebration of the U.S., the company reinforces its mission to provide flags that not only meet rigorous standards but also serve as symbols of unity and remembrance for those who have served the country. The company’s reputation is built on the honor and pride of producing a quality product that stands as a testament to American heritage.
