05/18/2026
Stokes Ladders incredibly proud to be a veteran-owned American manufacturer.
For decades, we’ve built our products here in the USA using American labor, American grit, and domestic aluminum extrusions. We believe in making things here, employing American workers, and standing behind products built to last.
But right now, manufacturers like us are in an increasingly precarious position.
Most people hear “aluminum prices are rising” and assume it’s just another commodity story. The reality is far more serious. U.S. manufacturers don’t just pay the global aluminum price. We also face the U.S. Midwest Premium, tariffs, freight, energy costs, and supply shortages layered on top. We are paying 50% more for aluminum today than this time last year.
For companies whose products are built almost entirely from aluminum, this creates enormous pressure:
• Higher production costs
• Shrinking margins
• Harder decisions about pricing
• Increased pressure to re-evaluate sourcing, design, and operations simply to survive
We are committed to American manufacturing, but many small and mid-sized manufacturers are being forced to re-evaluate how to keep costs under control while continuing to build in the United States.
This is bigger than one company. It impacts jobs, families, farming, construction, and the future of domestic manufacturing.
What can the public do?
• Support American-made products when possible
• Understand that “Made in USA” often comes with real cost pressures
• Ask policymakers to consider downstream manufacturers, not just raw material producers
• Advocate for stable industrial, energy, and supply-chain policies that allow U.S. manufacturers to compete
We are proud to build in America. We are proud to be veteran-owned. And we are determined to keep fighting for American manufacturing, but the current environment is forcing many manufacturers to make difficult decisions just to remain viable.
