KAM Manufacturing
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Handbag manufacturing, contract cut-and-sew operations |
| Founded | 1988 |
| Founder | Kim Adams |
| Headquarters | Van Wert , United States |
| Products | Handbags, non-apparel consumer goods, commercial items, military products |
Number of employees | Approximately doubled by 2024 (exact number not specified) |
KAM Manufacturing is a producer of handbags located in Van Wert, Ohio, USA. Established in 1988 by Kim Adams, the firm has been in operation for more than 25 years. In 2002, a tornado destroyed its manufacturing facility. Until 2008, KAM manufactured handbags for Vera Bradley, but after ending this collaboration, the company announced the potential closure and laid off 140 staff members. Rather than closing, KAM introduced the Stephanie Dawn brand that same year. In 2006, the business earned recognition as Van Wert County's small business of the year and was awarded a Blue Ribbon by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Stephanie Dawn merchandise was available at retailers such as the Artists’ Colony in Northeast Ohio, Kristina's Gifts in Waynesburg, Ohio, and Karen's Gifts located in New Port Richey, Florida. In 2011, the brand supported "The Art of Fiber" exhibition hosted by the Wassenberg Art Center.
By the conclusion of 2021, KAM Manufacturing decided to discontinue Stephanie Dawn due to expansion in their contract cut-and-sew operations exceeding the demands of the brand’s output. No job reductions took place; instead, the workforce had doubled by 2024. Currently, KAM concentrates on manufacturing non-apparel consumer goods, commercial items, and military products for a range of private label clients.