Kansas City, MO — As the United States approaches its 250th Independence Day next year, one Missouri-based company is helping Americans mark the milestone with craftsmanship, pride, and patriotism.
Allied Materials, a family-run manufacturer in Kansas City since 1951, produces roughly 1,000 American flags a day — many destined for government buildings, military funerals, and patriotic households across the nation.
“This is like our Christmas,” said Tyler Young, president of Allied Materials. “We ramp up months ahead of July Fourth, building extra inventory because we know this is when Americans show their patriotism the loudest.”
Flag Making with Purpose
The company stands out as the largest vertically integrated flag maker in the U.S., meaning every step of production — from thread to finish — happens under Allied’s oversight. Over 300,000 flags per year are made for federal clients, including the Department of Defense, the U.S. Senate, and military bases around the world.
“We produce government-spec flags,” Young explained. “Every part is 100% American-made — from cotton seeds grown in the U.S. to dyes, thread, and stitching. No shortcuts. No compromises. It’s the most authentic flag you can fly.”
Each flag begins with U.S.-grown cotton or nylon, which is dyed, precision-cut into stripes, and stitched at the Kansas City factory. Star fields are embroidered in Allied’s Louisiana facility, and then the final product is assembled, inspected, and finished with sturdy metal grommets.
“It only takes a few hours to make a flag,” said Young. “But its meaning can last generations.”
Work with Meaning
For Allied’s employees, the work goes beyond production lines. It’s deeply personal.
“These people put their heart into it,” said machine technician Terry Walker. “Every fallen veteran gets one of these flags. It’s an honor to work here and be part of that tribute.”
A quality control table sits near the final assembly station where each flag is inspected with care — no detail is too small when the end use could be draped over a soldier’s casket.
“That’s always on our minds,” Young added. “It has to be flawless. We owe that to the family and the person who served.”
Looking Toward the Semiquincentennial
With the nation’s 250th birthday set for 2026, Allied is already preparing for what could be the largest flag display in U.S. history.
“We’ve started our marketing plan and will begin building up inventory this fall,” Young said. “Whether it’s for a backyard celebration or a military ceremony, we want to be ready to help Americans mark the moment.”
Flags That Stand the Test of Time
Allied’s flags range from small 2×3-foot versions to massive 10×15-foot banners that fly over government buildings. All meet federal durability standards — including strict specs on stitching, star sizing, and fabric quality.
And with about 94% of American flags still made in the U.S., Allied continues to hold firm to its all-American production values — especially as tariffs and global disruptions have hit foreign suppliers.
“When others were struggling, we thrived,” Young said. “We called our customers and proudly said, ‘You’re getting a call from an American company making American products with American materials.’ That’s rare now.”
More Than Fabric
For Young, a flag is more than fabric and thread.
“It’s not just a product,” he said. “It’s a symbol — of sacrifice, resilience, and pride. Every person who has been a part of this nation’s journey is stitched into that flag. That’s what we honor with every one we make.”
