Celebrating Independence: Kansas City Company Creates Flags for a Historic Anniversary
Kansas City, MO – As the United States gears up for its 250th anniversary next year, one Missouri firm is weaving its role into the country’s narrative.
Allied Materials, established in 1951, has ramped up production to approximately 1,000 flags daily. These flags often honor military funerals, decorate government structures, and adorn homes across the nation.
“This is like our peak season,” noted Tyler Young, president of Allied Materials. “We’ve been preparing for months, building up stock because we recognize this is when Americans display their patriotism the most.”
A Commitment to Quality American-Made Flags
Allied Materials stands as the largest vertically integrated flag manufacturer in the U.S., supplying over 300,000 flags each year to federal agencies, including the U.S. Senate and the Department of Defense.
“We ensure our flags adhere to federal standards,” Young explained. “Every part is sourced within the United States—from the cotton to the dye. We spare no expense to deliver the best product possible.”
Each flag starts as American-grown cotton or nylon, which is dyed, rolled, and cut into stripes. These components are sewn in Kansas City and combined with embroidered star fields crafted at the company’s facility in Louisiana. Every flag undergoes rigorous inspection and is finished with metal grommets for easy display.
“From inception to completion, a flag might only take a few hours to make,” Young said. “Yet its purpose lasts a lifetime.”
Employee Pride in Flag Production
For many at Allied, the significance of their work is deeply personal.
“Everyone here puts in a lot of effort,” shared Terry Walker, a veteran machine technician. “Each flag honors a fallen service member, which makes it an honor to be part of this team.”
Young emphasized the shared sense of responsibility at Allied. “The next time someone sees our flag, it could be draped over a veteran’s coffin. We have to ensure it’s flawless because it represents that soldier and their family who made sacrifices.”
As the United States anticipates its semiquincentennial in 2026, Allied is proactively preparing for what may be the country’s most significant flag-flying event.
“We’re currently developing our marketing strategy and building up inventory in preparation for the fall,” Young stated. “We want to be ready to serve everyone, from individual homeowners flying flags to government entities organizing ceremonies.”
The Market for American Flags
Data from STG Logistics indicates that approximately 94% of flags sold in the U.S. are domestically produced, a fact that Young takes pride in, especially as import tariffs have posed challenges to global supply chains.
“When other suppliers were impacted by tariffs, we maintained our operations,” he remarked. “It was gratifying to inform our clients that they were dealing with an American manufacturer providing American-made products sourced from local materials.”
Allied’s flag offerings vary in size, from two by three feet to ten by fifteen feet, all complying with federal standards for stitching and durability, whether they are intended for a private residence or for display at the Capitol.
“A flag symbolizes our nation’s history and everyone who has contributed to our community’s fabric,” Young concluded.
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