Fall River Factory Opens Doors for American-Made Craftsmanship Event

Fall River’s Vanson Leathers is opening its doors this Saturday, July 19, for a unique event celebrating American manufacturing, complete with book signings, a panel discussion, and behind-the-scenes factory tours.

From 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., visitors can meet some of the biggest advocates for American-made products, including Rachel Slade, author of Making It in America, and Willy DeConto and Alex Goulet, creators of Crafted with Pride. The event is free and takes place at Vanson Leathers, located at 951 Broadway in Fall River.

Meet the Authors & Industry Experts

The day kicks off with a meet-and-greet and book signing from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Slade, whose book dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of domestic manufacturing, will be joined by DeConto and Goulet, whose Crafted with Pride is described as a cross between an L.L. Bean catalog and the Yellow Pages, listing American manufacturers, their products, and contact information for anyone who wants to source materials made in the U.S.

“It’s basically your go-to guide if you want to keep your money in the country,” said Greg Molinar, Vanson’s Community and Growth Director.

At 1 p.m., Slade will give a presentation on the state of manufacturing in America, followed by a panel discussion featuring longtime industry veterans/Vanson owners Mike and Kim van der Sleesen, who will share their 50 years of experience in the trade. Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan will also be in attendance to deliver opening remarks.

Step Inside a Working Leather Factory

The final hour of the event, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., offers visitors an exclusive look at how Vanson creates its world-famous jackets and racing suits, from raw cowhide to finished product.

“Every time we do these tours, you can literally see it click for people,” Molinar said. “They watch the process, they see how many steps go into making one piece, and there’s this moment of, ‘Wow, this is amazing.’ That’s my favorite part.”

READ MORE: Fall River’s Vanson Leathers Creates DJ Mustard’s Super Bowl Halftime Jacket

Vanson Leathers has been putting Fall River craftsmanship on the map for decades, with its pieces worn by celebrities such as Madonna, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Travis Scott, and even featured during Milan Fashion Week. For Molinar, this event isn’t about celebrity endorsements, it’s about community.

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A Community-Driven Effort

Since joining Vanson just over a year ago, Molinar has worked to build community partnerships, including a high school pilot program with Durfee High School that paired students with local manufacturers for internships.

“This whole event actually spun out of the relationships we’ve built through programs like that,” Molinar said. “It’s nice to see the attention, the outreach, and the appreciation for what we’re doing, not just here in Fall River, but across the SouthCoast.”

The event is being held in collaboration with the Urban Manufacturing Alliance and follows Vanson’s recent involvement in local business breakfasts, school tours, and community talks.

Why You Should Go

Whether you’re a fan of quality American-made goods, interested in the textile industry, or just curious to see what goes into crafting world-class leather products, Saturday’s event promises a rare, behind-the-scenes experience.

“Come by, meet Rachel and the Crafted with Pride team, and hear stories from people who’ve been in manufacturing for decades,” Molinar said. “Then you get to walk through the factory and see the craftsmanship firsthand. It’s all happening right here in your backyard.”