Why 'Carlson' is a Complex Question
When a consumer asks about a product's origin, they are often seeking a simple yes or no answer. However, with the name 'Carlson,' there is no single entity behind all the various goods. The name has been adopted by a variety of businesses across different sectors, from nutritional supplements to industrial equipment and software. This is a common phenomenon in business history, where similar names evolve independently or are acquired over time. Therefore, to get a clear answer, you must first identify which Carlson brand is associated with the product you are researching. This article breaks down the most prominent 'Carlson' brands and their respective manufacturing details.
Carlson Labs: Nutritional Supplements and Fish Oil
Founded by pharmacist Susan Carlson in 1965 in Chicago, Carlson Labs is a family-owned company specializing in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 supplements.
US and Norwegian Manufacturing
- US-Based Operations: Carlson Labs is based in the USA, and many of its supplements are manufactured in the country, adhering to stringent quality control standards and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
- Norwegian Fish Oil: For its omega-3 fish oil, Carlson Labs maintains a state-of-the-art refining and bottling facility in Norway. This allows the company to process wild-caught fish oils from the Arctic, ensuring maximum freshness and purity before they are transported to the USA.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Carlson Labs is also notable for its commitment to sustainability, utilizing sustainably sourced fish and offering recyclable product packaging. For every product sold, they remove an equal amount of plastic from global waterways, demonstrating a holistic approach to their brand values.
Carlson Software: CAD and Civil Engineering
Carlson Software Inc. is a company that provides advanced software and hardware solutions for the civil engineering, surveying, and mining industries.
American-Made Software and Hardware
- Headquarters and Assembly: Headquartered in Maysville, Kentucky, Carlson Software has made a strong commitment to increasing its American-made output.
- Expanding Manufacturing: In 2025, the company announced plans to expand its US-based manufacturing and assembly capabilities by acquiring a new building adjacent to its headquarters. This initiative highlights the company's focus on domestic production for its industry-specific products.
Carlson's Choke Tubes: Sporting Goods
For hunters and sport shooters, Carlson's Choke Tubes are a well-regarded name. This brand provides a variety of high-quality choke tubes for shotguns, backed by a lifetime warranty.
Proudly Made in the U.S.A.
- Explicit Confirmation: The company explicitly states that its choke tubes are "Proudly Made in the U.S.A.".
- Dedicated Testing: Carlson's also performs extensive in-house testing of shotgun shells and choke tube combinations to ensure optimal performance for their American-made products.
Carlson Company, Inc.: Industrial Clutches and Brakes
This industrial manufacturer produces a range of clutches, brakes, and torque limiters for various industrial applications, including factory automation and packaging.
Wichita, Kansas Manufacturing
- Domestic Production: The Carlson Company, Inc. manufactures its products in a 54,000 sq. ft. facility located in Wichita, Kansas.
- Sold Worldwide: While the products are made in the USA, they are sold globally through a network of distributors.
A Quick Guide to the 'Carlson' Brands
To help differentiate the various Carlson entities, here is a concise list:
- Carlson Labs: Nutritional supplements, vitamins, and fish oils.
- Carlson Software: CAD software and hardware for engineering and surveying.
- Carlson's Choke Tubes: Shotgun accessories for hunting and sport shooting.
- Carlson Company, Inc.: Industrial clutches, brakes, and power transmission products.
- Carlson Private Capital Partners: A holding company based in Minnesota that is part of a larger, diversified family office.
Comparison of Carlson Brand Manufacturing
| Company | Product | US-Made? | Key Manufacturing Detail | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlson Labs | Supplements & Fish Oil | Mixed | US-based, but fish oils processed in Norway | Carlson Labs Official Site |
| Carlson Software | CAD Software & Hardware | Yes | Headquarters and increasing manufacturing/assembly in Maysville, KY | Carlson Software |
| Carlson Company, Inc. | Industrial Clutches/Brakes | Yes | Manufactured in a facility in Wichita, KS | Carlson Company, Inc. |
| Carlson's Choke Tubes | Shotgun Choke Tubes | Yes | Explicitly states 'Proudly Made in the U.S.A.' | Carlson's Choke Tubes |
Conclusion: The Answer is Not Singular
In conclusion, the question, 'Is Carlson made in the USA?', has no single answer because it refers to multiple, unrelated companies. While some brands, such as Carlson Software, Carlson Company, Inc., and Carlson's Choke Tubes, explicitly manufacture their products within the United States, others like Carlson Labs have a mixed manufacturing and processing model. For consumers, the key takeaway is to identify the specific Carlson brand they are interested in and then verify its manufacturing details directly. This diligence ensures accurate information and supports informed purchasing decisions. Always check the packaging or the company's official website for the most precise information regarding product origin.
