CLEVELAND — The Port of Cleveland debuted a powerful new documentary shining a spotlight on Cleveland  and the working-class heroes behind the steel that drives America.  “Made in America: How the Port of Cleveland Supports the Region’s Economy” is a cinematic tribute to the people, processes and places that form the backbone of US industry.

Underscored by stunning visuals of the Great Lakes and bustling docks, the film tells the story of how raw materials flow through the Port of Cleveland and become high-strength steel that supports America’s cars, appliances, bridges and buildings.

“This one is for the masters of American craftsmanship,” opens the narrator, setting the tone for a story that honors the laborers whose hands forge the future of the nation — from miners and longshoremen to steelworkers and ship captains.

At the center of the story is the Port of Cleveland, a critical hub for transporting iron ore from the mines of the upper Great Lakes to Cleveland-Cliffs’ steel mill, where it is transformed into finished steel.

We are proud to be part of a process that is not only made in America, but made with American strength, innovation, and pride,” said David Gutheil, interim CEO of the Port. Through interviews with port officials, manufacturing leaders, and vessel line executives, the documentary sheds light on the essential — and often overlooked — supply chains that underpin U.S. manufacturing. With over 23,000 jobs tied to the Port of Cleveland and $7.07 billion in annual economic activity generated, the film makes clear the port’s local and national significance.

“Each steel coil is produced for a specific customer to ensure they get the right product at the right time in the right way,” said Chad Asgaard, General Manager, Cleveland-Cliffs, in the film.

The documentary also addresses the Port’s forward-looking environmental and technological initiatives — including new ore tunnel extensions and eco-conscious logistics — positioning it as a model of modernization and sustainability.

With stakes reaching beyond Northeast Ohio, the film touches on broader economic themes. According to a Department of Homeland Security report cited in the documentary, the closure of a single lock in Northern Michigan could plunge the nation into recession, highlighting just how vital Great Lakes shipping is to the national economy.

“This is more than a story of steel,” Gutheil said. “Made in America  is a tribute to the strength, resilience, and the enduring legacy of American industry.”

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