Nordic Ware, Minneapolis

The Bundt pan. It's one of America's most iconic pieces of bakeware, estimated to be found in more than 70 million homes. This was Nordic Ware's breakthrough design, debuting just a few years after the brand was launched by husband-wife team Dave and Dotty in their Minneapolis basement. Though the couple's first several items were inspired by Scandinavian cooking—including the Krumkake iron and the Platte Panne pan—the line has since expanded to include more modern technologies and designs. Cake-pop baking pans, for instance, are made from colorful aluminum, and the Slim Grill allows cooks to grill steaks and burgers right on their stovetop.

There is one thing that hasn't changed, though. Since Dave and Dotty's humble beginnings, most products developed by Nordic Ware have been made in Minneapolis. The company continues to promote domestic sustainability by employing American workers and sourcing supplies such as metal, coatings, and packaging from other US manufacturers.