DETROIT (WJBK) -- We make a lot of great products in the U.S. Watches aren't normally on that list, but a company called Shinola is trying to change that by making their watches in Detroit, and they're hoping to revolutionize the industry.
"The idea of made in Detroit, watches made in Detroit, there was a lot of raised eyebrows," said Heath Carr.
Carr and his partners knew exactly what they were doing. They wanted to create a line of high quality products that showcased American innovation and talent.
"Detroit kept coming to the top of the list because of its history in manufacturing," Carr said.
However, the people of Detroit are the ones who really sealed the deal.
"We fell in love with the city. Everybody we ran into said how can I help? And that was a big part of our decision to be here," Carr explained.
Shinola is based inside Detroit's College for Creative Studies and employees about 20 people -- a number that is expected to more than double within the next few months.
The company sponsors CCS classes, brings in interns and has even hired students as designers.
"It's something where we can capture that local talent and keep it local," said Carr. "We'll have leather goods, journals, bicycles, watches."
Every item proudly representing the city that started it all.
"This is the place we want to be," said Carr.
Shinola's watches are scheduled to hit the market next spring and a limited number of bikes are available for purchase now.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:04 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:04:18 GMT
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Friday, May 17 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:55:04 GMT
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Sabrina Gianino was found dead with a cord around her neck inside a Grosse Pointe Park home early Thursday morning. The medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide.
Sabrina Gianino was found dead with a cord around her neck inside a Grosse Pointe Park home early Thursday morning. The medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide.