Peyton Spencer didn’t set out to work in manufacturing—but an internship quickly changed everything.

In this episode of How I Got Here: Manufacturing, Peyton shares how a communications major turned into a dynamic career spanning marketing, quality control, data analysis, HR, and process improvement. Along the way, she discovered the wide range of opportunities available in modern manufacturing—and found a role that fits her skills and passions.

From building social media campaigns to improving processes on the factory floor, Peyton’s story highlights the value of staying open to new opportunities and being willing to learn along the way.

If you’ve ever wondered how people actually find their way into manufacturing—or if there’s a place for your skillset in the industry—this episode is a great place to start.

Visit https://swvam.org/careers-in-manufacturing to learn how to start your journey!

Welcome to the Q1 2026 edition of the SVAM Member News Update, your quarterly look at the latest developments across Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing community.

In this episode, we highlight major investments in advanced manufacturing and additive technologies, including a $6 million regional initiative aimed at creating new jobs and strengthening the talent pipeline. We also celebrate AQ Transformer Solutions for completing the VALET global trade accelerator program and share updates on VFP, Inc.’s continued expansion, supported by new workforce development funding.

On the SVAM side, we recap a strong start to the year, including the 7th Annual Women of Manufacturing Symposium, the launch of a new podcast series spotlighting award winners, and expanded student outreach efforts reaching over 600 students across the region. Plus, updates on leadership training through the TOpX Leadership Lab and additional workforce development programs.

🎧 Tune in to stay informed on the people, programs, and progress shaping manufacturing in Southwest Virginia.

📩 SVAM members: Want to be featured in the next episode? Send your updates to programassistant@swvam.org.

Interested in becoming a member of SVAM?

Careers: https://swvam.org/mfgcareers/

Trainings: https://swvam.org/trainings/

Resource Database: https://swvam.org/resource-database/

Become a Member: https://swvam.org/membership/become-a-member/

In this wrap-up episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we reflect on the 2026 Women of Manufacturing Symposium and the Outstanding Women of Manufacturing series, highlighting the many career paths that make up Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing industry.

From administrative support and production to leadership roles, this episode brings together the key themes from across the series and explores how these roles connect to keep manufacturing moving forward. You’ll also hear perspectives from symposium panelists Peyton Spencer of Hitachi Energy and Erin Kirk of Westlake Royal Building Products, who share insights on career pathways, workforce skills, and the evolving opportunities within the industry. Together, these stories offer a broader look at what manufacturing looks like today—and the people who make it possible.

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we highlight the Management category from the 2026 Outstanding Women of Manufacturing Awards, presented during the Women of Manufacturing Symposium in Abingdon, Virginia.

Management roles in manufacturing go far beyond titles—they connect people, processes, and performance. From overseeing production and guiding engineering teams to managing supply chains and supporting employees, these leaders help keep operations running smoothly while planning for the future. This episode recognizes award recipient Judy Lewis of XCal Tools, along with nominees from across Southwest Virginia whose leadership is shaping the region’s manufacturing workforce and strengthening their organizations.

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we highlight the Hourly and Production category from the 2026 Outstanding Women of Manufacturing Awards, presented during the Women of Manufacturing Symposium in Abingdon, Virginia.

From machine operation and quality inspection to logistics and safety, production roles are where materials are transformed into finished products. These careers require skill, precision, and teamwork—and they play a direct role in ensuring quality and efficiency across manufacturing operations. This episode recognizes award recipient Betsy Talbert of Universal Fibers, along with nominees from across Southwest Virginia who are making an impact through their hands-on work and technical expertise.

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we highlight the Administrative Support category from the 2026 Outstanding Women of Manufacturing Awards, presented during the Women of Manufacturing Symposium in Abingdon, Virginia.

Administrative professionals play a critical role in manufacturing operations across Southwest Virginia. From accounting and scheduling to logistics coordination and customer support, these roles help ensure that production stays on track, communication flows effectively, and companies meet quality and compliance standards. This episode recognizes award recipient Letha Doss of AMR-PEMCO, along with several nominees whose work behind the scenes supports the success of manufacturing across the region.

In this special episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we take listeners inside the 2026 Women of Manufacturing Symposium hosted by the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Virginia.

Held during Women’s History Month, the event brought together manufacturing professionals, students, and community leaders from across Southwest Virginia to celebrate the women helping drive the region’s manufacturing industry forward. This episode introduces the symposium, highlights insights from keynote speaker Tamea Franco of Global Metal Finishing, and sets the stage for the Outstanding Women of Manufacturing Awards. In upcoming episodes, we’ll recognize this year’s award recipients and nominees and explore the many roles women play across Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing workforce.

In this episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we spotlight SunCoke Energy in Vansant, Virginia, a key producer of high-quality metallurgical coke that powers the steelmaking industry across the country.

Operating advanced heat recovery coke-making technology, SunCoke’s Vansant facility plays an essential role in supporting domestic steel production while maintaining a strong focus on safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence.

We explore how this facility blends heavy industry with innovation, the importance of coke production in the manufacturing supply chain, and the skilled workforce that keeps operations running efficiently in Southwest Virginia.

Tune in to learn how SunCoke Energy is helping fuel American industry—right from the heart of coal country.

SunCoke Energy: www.suncoke.com

Learn about SVAM membership