Re:Build Manufacturing
In 2020, amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Re:Build Manufacturing set out with a bold vision: to revitalize American manufacturing, drive innovation, and help the U.S. reclaim its status as an industrial powerhouse. In 2021, that vision became personal for me when Re:Build acquired Tekna—the company I worked for—immersing me in their mission.
As part of their strategy to rebuild and modernize U.S. manufacturing, Re:Build sought a site that could serve as a cornerstone for this effort. They found it in New Kensington, PA—a city with a storied industrial past, once home to one of ALCOA’s earliest factories. Left vacant since the 1970s, this 1-million-square-foot facility was ripe for transformation. Re:Build secured 175,000 square feet and began the ambitious process of turning it into a state-of-the-art manufacturing hub, bringing jobs, innovation, and new opportunities to the region.
As one of Re:Build-Tekna’s lead photographers, I had the privilege of documenting this journey—from the earliest days prior to the renovation to the grand press release and the community figures who embody New Kensington’s culture, resilience, and optimism. My work has taken me to other Re:Build sites across the country, capturing the cutting-edge technology, manufacturing processes, and expertise that define this growing network.
A Book For Sharing
At the start of 2024, I helped design a high-quality photo book showcasing Re:Build’s story—filled with my photography—to share with investors, customers, and visitors. These books, displayed in waiting rooms and reception halls across all sites, serve as a lasting testament to Re:Build’s mission and impact.
Being part of this transformation has been an honor. Telling these stories and preserving history through my lens is one of the many reasons I love photography. Re:Build Manufacturing isn’t just reshaping factories—it’s reigniting America’s industrial future, and I’m proud to play a small role in capturing that legacy.
You can learn more about the Re:Build – New Kensington project here.
ICYFC
Inner City Youth for Change empowers teens to lead,
and I captured their inspiring gala preparations.