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In 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250th Anniversary, an occasion that naturally sparks reflection on where the country started, how it has grown, and the industries that continue helping shape its future.
Over the last two and a half centuries, American manufacturing has become part of that story. From infrastructure and transportation to foodservice and refrigeration, domestic manufacturing has helped support the schools, restaurants, hospitals, and businesses communities rely on every day.
Today, that conversation feels more relevant than ever.
Over the last several years, supply chain disruptions, overseas shipping delays, material shortages, and changing tariffs have created new challenges across many industries. For companies relying heavily on imported products or overseas manufacturing, even small disruptions can create uncertainty around pricing, availability, lead times, and long-term support.
That is one reason more organizations are paying closer attention to where their products come from.
In foodservice construction and commercial refrigeration, those conversations are also bringing more awareness to Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements.
What is Build America, Buy America (BABA)?
The Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) is a federal initiative designed to prioritize American-made materials and manufactured products in federally funded infrastructure projects.
For schools, public facilities, consultants, and contractors, Build America, Buy America compliance is becoming an increasingly important part of project planning, especially when long-term reliability and accountability counts the most.
At the same time, there is still confusion surrounding phrases like:
- “Made in America”
- “Assembled in the USA”
- “American-built”
- “BABA compliant”
While these terms may sound similar, they do not always mean the same thing. That is why manufacturing transparency continues becoming more important.
Why Domestic Manufacturing Still Matters
When a school kitchen project is delayed because materials are stuck overseas, the issue quickly shifts from 'just a supply chain problem' to an 'operational problem.'
Schedules shift.
Installations get delayed.
Budgets tighten.
Service becomes harder to coordinate.
Domestic manufacturing helps reduce some of those uncertainties by keeping production, quality control, and customer support closer to home. It can also help provide:
- More stable lead times
- Better access to replacement parts
- Stronger quality oversight
- Long-term service support
- Reduced dependence on overseas supply chains
Those advantages are part of the reason Build America, Buy America (BABA) initiatives continue gaining attention as America250 celebrations approach in 2026.
Built in America Since 1960
Thermo-Kool walk-ins have been manufactured in Laurel, Mississippi since 1960.
Products are built, preassembled, inspected, and supported in the United States, allowing teams to maintain greater oversight throughout the manufacturing process while continuing to support customers long after installation.
That commitment to domestic manufacturing has remained consistent through changing technologies, shifting markets, supply chain disruptions, and evolving industry demands.
It also allows Thermo-Kool to better support projects seeking Build America, Buy America (BABA) compliant refrigeration solutions.
Accountability Matters
Commercial refrigeration plays an important role in schools, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and foodservice operations across the country. When equipment issues happen, customers don't need tracking numbers and long wait times. They need responsive support and real accountability.
Knowing where a product comes from still matters. So does knowing who stands behind it.
That expectation is one reason many organizations continue prioritizing American manufacturing.
Looking Ahead to America 250
The America 250 celebration gives us a chance to look back at history, at the spirit that built an independent nation, and onward to a future of American industry, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
As conversations around tariffs, domestic sourcing, Build America, Buy America (BABA), and supply chain stability continue growing, manufacturers that prioritize consistency, accountability, and long-term support will continue standing apart.
For more than six decades, Thermo-Kool has remained committed to building walk-in coolers and freezers in the United States while supporting customers through craftsmanship, quality control, and dependable service.
Is Your Facility BABA Compliant?
Explore our 3D Walk-In Configurator to start designing your American-Made Cold Storage Solution, or connect with a Thermo-Kool specialist to find the right fit for your location.
