Reshoring and Exporting: Dock Blocks of North America grows Global Footprint after transition to 100
by Dock Blocks of North America 7 May 06:22 PDT
Dock Blocks © Dock Blocks of North America
At a time when many manufacturers are reevaluating global supply chains, Dock Blocks of North America is demonstrating that domestic production and international growth can go hand in hand.
The North Charleston-based manufacturer of patented modular floating dock systems has transitioned to 100% U.S.-based production while expanding exports to more than 10 countries—an approach that recently earned the company the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2026 Small Business Exporter of the Year award for South Carolina.
While many companies phase reshoring and export expansion as separate initiatives, Dock Blocks has executed both simultaneously, balancing domestic manufacturing investment with growing international demand. Through a network of marine retailers, dealers, and commercial partners, the company delivers its dock systems and drive-on boat lifts across the U.S., the Caribbean, and Latin America.
The company currently exports to markets including the Bahamas, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Turks and Caicos, and the Virgin Islands, with additional expansion underway. Dock Blocks also holds GSA Schedule approval for federal procurement and serves residential, marina, commercial, and government customers.
“There’s a perception that manufacturers have to choose between producing domestically and competing globally,” said Matt West, founder of Dock Blocks of North America. “We’ve taken the opposite approach, investing in U.S. production while building demand internationally, and it’s proven to be a scalable model.”
The award will be presented to Dock Blocks alongside other South Carolina honorees at the SBA South Carolina District Office's celebration in Columbia on May 6, hosted in conjunction with the City of Columbia's 13th Annual Small Business Week Conference.
"The awards showcase the achievements of these outstanding small businesses who are making a difference in our state by creating jobs, increasing economic prosperity, and helping their communities thrive," said SBA South Carolina District Director Melissa Lindler in the SBA's award announcement.
To learn more about National Small Business Week and the 2026 award winners, visit www.sba.gov/nsbw.