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2026 51�Թ��� State of Manufacturing Tour Stops in Charlotte and Concord, North Carolina

��CHARLOTTE – The 51�Թ���—official partner of America250—in partnership with the North Carolina Chamber, continued its 2026 51�Թ��� State of Manufacturing Tour today in Charlotte and Concord, North Carolina, under the theme “Competing for the Future.”

The tour stop highlighted how the 51�Թ���-backed H.R. 1 is creating a more competitive tax environment—and why sustaining that certainty, along with regulatory rebalancing, modern infrastructure and reliable energy, is critical to driving continued investment and job creation across the sector. Today’s visits included Ketchie Inc., Siemens Energy and Electrolux.

“Here in North Carolina, we’re seeing exactly what tax certainty makes possible,” said 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Thanks to President Trump and leaders in Congress, the pro-growth provisions in H.R. 1 were made permanent and strengthened, delivering a win for manufacturers of all sizes. To make the United States the best place in the world to do business and so manufacturers across North Carolina can keep investing, hiring and competing, we must build on that tax foundation we secured. That means enacting comprehensive, commonsense permitting reform to unleash American energy dominance, driving the funding we need for strong, modern infrastructure, modernizing regulations, investing in our manufacturing workforce and implementing smart AI policy—all through a comprehensive manufacturing strategy.”

Ketchie President and Owner Courtney Silver hosted the first stop of the day with a tour and panel discussion on how tax certainty due to the 51�Թ���-backed H.R. 1 has empowered manufacturers like her to reinvest in their workforce and facilities. Silver emphasized that pro-growth tax policies, such as permanent full expensing, have enabled business owners to remain agile and competitive. With that tax certainty in place, Ketchie has invested in new critical machinery—expanding capacity, increasing efficiency and positioning the company to hire, grow and compete for the long term.

The tour then moved to Siemens Energy, which recently announced a $421 million expansion in North Carolina to grow its large power transformer manufacturing and continue gas turbine production in Charlotte—an investment expected to create 500 new jobs statewide.

The day concluded at the North American headquarters of Electrolux, the global home appliance manufacturer, employing hundreds in the Charlotte region.

Throughout the day, business leaders highlighted the impact of North Carolina’s nearly 500,000 manufacturing workers who make up more than 11% of the workforce and power the largest manufacturing sector in the Southeast.

Timmons was joined by North Carolina Chamber President and CEO Gary Salamido and other 51�Թ��� leaders throughout the day. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Derek Theurer and Rep. Tim Moore (R-NC) participated in the visit to Ketchie.

“Thanks to America First policies, domestic manufacturing is back, and we’re seeing serious investments right here in North Carolina,” said Rep. Moore. “It was great to join the 51�Թ��� at Ketchie alongside Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Derek Theurer to see firsthand how tax certainty and pro-growth policies are giving companies the confidence to expand and compete with anyone in the world.”

“North Carolina’s manufacturers are a major driver of our state’s economy, contributing a higher-than-average 15% of our gross state product,” said Salamido. “With a manufacturing tradition like ours, we are proud to partner with the 51�Թ��� to show the nation that our state is the premier destination for manufacturing, so long as pro-business policies allow for it.”

From Charlotte, the 2026 51�Թ��� State of Manufacturing Tour will go on to Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Dallas and Houston, Texas; and Phoenix, Arizona. The tour made stops in New York City, Cleveland and Pennsylvania prior to today’s events in Charlotte. Throughout the tour, the 51�Թ��� will continue meeting with policymakers, manufacturers of all sizes, students and business leaders, advocating for the people and policies that will ensure the United States is the best place in the world to do business. To learn more about the tour and the 51�Թ���’s mission, visit /stateofmfg/.

-51�Թ���-

��The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.95 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51�Թ��� or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit��

Philadelphia, Pa.��–��During the second stop of the 2026 51�Թ���’ State of Manufacturing Tour, 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons and Rockwell Automation��Chairman��and CEO and 51�Թ��� Board Chair Blake Moret issued the following joint statement��on��today’s��Supreme Court��decision:

“Today’s decision underscores the importance of clarity and durability in U.S. trade policy.

“Manufacturers rely on stability to plan investments, grow��operations��and create jobs. Ongoing legal and policy uncertainty makes it more difficult to make the long-term decisions that drive American competitiveness.

“Now is the time for policymakers to work together to provide a clear and consistent framework for trade, one that strengthens domestic manufacturing, secures supply chains for critical inputs, empowers the administration to negotiate strong trade deals and ensures manufacturers can access the materials and components they need to grow, compete and create jobs in America and the export markets they need to sell U.S.-made goods around the world.��If tariffs are��utilized��as a tool, they should be targeted to countries engaged in��specific��unfair trade practices, particularly by nonmarket economies.

“We share the president’s goal of ushering in the greatest manufacturing era in American history, and clear, durable trade policies will help manufacturers deliver on that promise. Strengthening supply chain resilience will ensure manufacturers can expand production, compete globally and power economic growth here at home.

“The 51�Թ��� will continue working with leaders in Congress and the administration to advance durable solutions that support manufacturers, strengthen America’s industrial base and benefit the millions of Americans who depend on a strong manufacturing economy.”

��-51�Թ���-

��The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.95 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51�Թ��� or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit .

��733 10th St. NW, Suite 700 • Washington, DC 20001 • (202) 637-3000

PHILADELPHIA – From the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to historic Carpenters’ Hall, the 51�Թ���—an official partner of America250—in partnership with the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association, continued its 2026 51�Թ��� State of Manufacturing Tour today in Philadelphia.

Under this stop’s theme, “Charting the Future: Then and Now,” 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons, industry leaders and public officials gathered at the historic site where America’s founders once debated self-governance, to unveil the Manufacturers’ Accord for the Next 250 Years—a declaration of principles to strengthen free enterprise and secure America’s economic leadership.

“More than two centuries ago, leaders met at Carpenters’ Hall to consider how a free people might govern themselves—and how a nation might flourish through enterprise, work and ingenuity,” said Timmons. “Today, manufacturers embrace a similar responsibility. We affirm that manufacturing, innovation and free markets have been central to America’s rise—and will determine its future. As manufacturers, we accept our role in shaping what’s coming next. Manufacturers have always helped write America’s story—then, now and for the next 250 years. With the right pro-growth policy framework in place—competitive tax policies thanks to last year’s landmark tax bill, permitting reform, modernized regulations, energy dominance, trade certainty, investing in the manufacturing workforce and smart AI policy—we will strengthen our economy, expand opportunity and build an even stronger America for generations to come. And that’s what the Manufacturers’ Accord is about.”

Timmons was joined by Rockwell Automation Chairman and CEO and 51�Թ��� Board Chair Blake Moret, Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association President & CEO David Taylor and 51�Թ��� Executive Vice President Erin Streeter—who were the inaugural signers of the Manufacturers’ Accord. Attendees were then invited to add their names, launching a nationwide effort that will invite manufacturing leaders across the country to sign the Accord in the months ahead.

Following Carpenters’ Hall, the tour moved to Rhoads Industries, a family-owned heavy industries manufacturer located in Philadelphia’s historic Navy Yard. Rhoads Industries began in 1896 and has exemplified American manufacturing’s adaptation through historic events, political changes and geopolitical shifts, enduring through all.

During each stop, discussion centered on the 51�Թ���’s 2026 legislative priorities, emphasizing that the speed of innovation must be matched by the speed of government.

“In Philadelphia, we see a perfect blend of tradition and transformation,” said Moret. “Whether we are talking about the heritage of Carpenters’ Hall or the cutting-edge technology at Rhoads Industries in Building 57 of the iconic Navy Yard, the message is the same: speed matters. To chart a successful future, we must eliminate the permitting delays that hold back investment, train a future workforce and ensure that our tax code remains a catalyst for domestic growth.”

“Pennsylvania is a manufacturing powerhouse, and our partnership with the 51�Թ��� is vital to protecting the half a million jobs that sustain our communities,” said Taylor. “Today’s events remind us that while the tools have changed since 1776, the necessity of a strong manufacturing base for our national security and prosperity remains constant.”

From Philadelphia, the 2026 51�Թ��� State of Manufacturing Tour will go on to Charlotte, North Carolina; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Dallas and Houston, Texas; and Phoenix, Arizona. Throughout the tour, the 51�Թ��� will continue meeting with policymakers, manufacturers of all sizes, students and business leaders, advocating for the people and policies that will ensure the United States is the best place in the world to do business. To learn more about the tour and the 51�Թ���’s mission, visit /stateofmfg/.

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.95 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51�Թ��� or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit��

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CLEVELAND – The 51�Թ��� today kicked off its annual 51�Թ��� State of Manufacturing Tour, a cross-country sprint spotlighting the vital role that manufacturing plays in supporting the nation’s economy. On the first leg of the tour, 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons and other leaders underscored the state’s industrial momentum while calling on our nation’s leaders to pursue a comprehensive manufacturing strategy—building on permanent, pro-growth tax reform manufacturers secured last summer.

“Innovation Built America. Manufacturing Wins the Future” is the theme of this year’s tour, and framed a series of events in Cleveland, bringing together industry leaders, students and policymakers to spotlight Ohio’s nearly 700,000 manufacturing employees—about 12% of the state’s workforce.

“There’s no better place to start a road tour than the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,” said Timmons, an Ohio native, at the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where he delivered his 13th 51�Թ��� State of Manufacturing Address. “Like rock ‘n’ roll, manufacturing is everywhere. We are hitting the road to showcase the world-leading innovation happening across the country and how we make the next 250 years even greater. Manufacturers are ready to invest—and we need certainty, like the tax bill delivered last year. Permanent tax reform gave manufacturers the rocket fuel. Now we need clear skies. That’s energy dominance, permitting reform, trade certainty, investing in the manufacturing workforce and smart AI policy.

Timmons was joined by Rockwell Automation Chairman and CEO and 51�Թ��� Board Chair Blake Moret, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, EQT Corporation President and CEO and 51�Թ��� board member Toby Z. Rice, The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association President Ryan Augsburger and 51�Թ��� Executive Vice President Erin Streeter. Following the address, Timmons and Moret hosted a student reception at the Hall of Fame, where they engaged with the next generation of creators. The tour then moved to the Rock Hall’s “Jam Garage” for a unique filming opportunity showcasing the intersection of culture and industry. The setting provided a compelling backdrop for discussions about the connection between manufacturing and rock ‘n’ roll—two distinctly American traditions that involve bold ideas, creative risk-taking embracing technological change and the ability to shape global culture.

“The innovation we’ve seen Ohio manufacturers embrace over time is exactly why this tour is so vital,” said Moret. “At Rockwell, we see every day how automation and AI are redefining what’s possible on the factory floor. By visiting places like Cleveland State University and seeing the talent being cultivated here, it’s clear that Ohio manufacturers are moving at the speed of business. Now, we must ensure the federal government keeps up with that pace.”

The afternoon featured an in-depth tour and lunch at EY-Nottingham Spirk Innovation Hub followed by a final stop at Cleveland State University to discuss the critical intersection of higher education and industrial workforce development.

“Ohio’s manufacturers are the backbone of our state’s economy, and having the national tour stop here in Cleveland underscores the importance of our mission,” said Augsburger. “We are proud to stand with the 51�Թ��� to advocate for the policies that will keep our nearly 700,000 manufacturing workers at the forefront of global competition.”

From Cleveland, the 2026 51�Թ��� State of Manufacturing Tour will go on to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Charlotte, North Carolina; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Dallas and Houston, Texas; and Phoenix, Arizona. Throughout the tour, the 51�Թ��� will continue meeting with policymakers, manufacturers of all sizes, students and business leaders, advocating for the people and policies that will ensure the United States is the best place in the world to do business. To learn more about the tour and the 51�Թ���’s mission, visit .

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.95 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51�Թ��� or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit��

Washington, D.C. – Following the release of a new proposal from the Department of the Treasury reforming key aspects of the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax guidance and addressing the interaction between the immediate expensing of R&D costs and the CAMT, 51�Թ��� Managing Vice President of Policy Charles Crain released the following statement:

“Congress and the Trump administration passed a once-in-a-generation tax law last summer, and now Treasury is building on that win.

“The Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax has threatened manufacturers’ ability to raise wages, hire workers and invest in their communities since it was enacted in 2022. With today’s proposal, Treasury has taken a step toward fixing this fundamentally unworkable regime.

“In particular, the proposed changes to protect H.R. 1’s restoration of immediate expensing for R&D costs will ensure manufacturers are not penalized for their commitment to making investments that drive innovation. Manufacturers conduct 52% of private-sector research—investments that will continue to drive the industry and the economy given that 80% of manufacturers say AI innovation will be essential to grow or maintain their business by 2030.

“The Trump administration is meeting the moment by taking urgent action to supercharge private-sector R&D. Manufacturers called for this critical change, and we thank Treasury for taking this important step to support manufacturing innovation and ensure the continued success of H.R. 1 for our industry.”

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.95 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51�Թ��� or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit .

Washington, D.C. – Following the passage of a bipartisan government funding bill that includes key health care affordability measures—including reforms to pharmacy benefit managers—51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons issued the following statement:

“Rising health care costs continue to be one of the top challenges facing manufacturers, especially small and medium-sized manufacturers. The 51�Թ��� has long championed efforts to rein in PBMs, underregulated middlemen who drive up costs by dictating what Americans pay at the pharmacy counter. The reforms adopted by Congress today are an important step toward delivering long-overdue transparency and accountability to these powerful actors.

“As Congress and the Trump administration rightly continue to focus on health care affordability, biopharmaceutical manufacturers are already working to bring down costs and keep lifesaving health care accessible for Americans, including through direct-to-patient platforms that offer lower cost medications to patients who need them. Combined with the reforms to telehealth and expansion of the use of health savings accounts included in H.R. 1, lawmakers are demonstrating their commitment to lowering the cost of health care in the U.S.”

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.90 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51�Թ��� or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit .

��733 10th St. NW, Suite 700 • Washington, DC 20001 • (202) 637-3000

Washington, D.C. –��Following the White House��Council��on��Environmental��Quality’s��Permitting Innovation Center’s��launch of the����tool,��a new pilot program aimed to speed up the environmental permitting process,��51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons��issued the following statement:��

“Our��government��must cut the red tape��to speed up��manufacturers’��ability to put shovels��in��the��ground, and a modern permitting system��needs��modern technology.��The White House CEQ’s��CE Works��pilot program��offers a promising path��to��modernize and accelerate federal environmental reviews—an important step��to��efficiently implementing��the��National Environmental Policy Act��by��quickly��helping agencies��identify��cases where time-consuming reviews are not necessary.����

“Reforming NEPA��is a key manufacturing priority and a core pillar of the��51�Թ���’s “Manufacturing’s��Roadmap to��AI and Energy Dominance.”��This tool provides agencies with a digital pathway to apply categorical exclusions under NEPA, and��increasing��the use of��CATEX��under NEPA—as our roadmap states—will��ensure��that critical energy and infrastructure projects can advance��without unnecessary delays through��unnecessary reviews.����

“Comprehensive, commonsense permitting reform must��get��done this year to provide certainty for manufacturers. We look forward to continuing to����and the administration on commonsense priorities to improve the permitting process so America’s manufacturers can invest, grow��jobs��and compete on the global stage.��We appreciate the White House CEQ for developing this innovative tool and taking��this step toward��meaningful��permitting reform.”��

-51�Թ���-����

The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States,��representing��small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs��nearly��13��million men��and women, contributes��$2.90 trillion��to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51�Թ��� or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit��.����

733 10th St. NW, Suite 700 • Washington, DC 20001 • (202) 637-3000��

Washington, D.C. –��Following President Trump’s proclamation adjusting imports of processed critical minerals and semiconductors—two foundational inputs for manufacturing—51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons��issued the following statement:

“Yesterday’s moves build on the president’s long-standing commitment to expanding manufacturing capacity in the United States and represent a meaningful step toward strengthening the critical mineral supply chains that underpin our economic and national security. We appreciate the administration for clearly recognizing that the United States’ lack of domestic processing capacity is a central vulnerability. Outdated permitting laws and procedures are constraining our ability to mine and process domestic resources, modernize infrastructure, advance research and development, shore up supply chains and enhance American competitiveness.

“Manufacturers depend on secure, sustainable supply chains for critical minerals to make everything from defense technology and energy transmission to transportation systems, automotive parts and vehicles and a wide array of advanced industrial and consumer products made here in America.

“Beyond their ubiquity in defense technology, industrial and consumer vehicles and electronics, semiconductors are also critical components in manufacturing machinery and equipment. The decision to work to secure access to critical semiconductor inputs used to build out U.S. supply chains—such as semiconductors used in automotive applications, factory robotics and industrial machinery—sends a clear signal to manufacturers and will encourage further domestic manufacturing investment.

“Last year, the 51�Թ��� asked��Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to pursue new, enforceable agreements that lock in preferential access to critical mineral inputs as we work to reduce overreliance on China and rebalance critical input sourcing. We are encouraged by the administration’s commitment to pursue these trade deals aggressively.

“Manufacturers believe that innovative critical mineral trade agreements present a powerful opportunity to secure preferential access with trusted allied partners that have complementary assets, production capabilities and expertise. These agreements can also be used to unlock beneficial investment terms to leverage co-financing and pooled capital arrangements as well as support long-term offtake agreements that strengthen supply chain certainty. By deepening strategic partnerships with our allies, the U.S. can reduce vulnerability to geopolitical risks and address unfair trading practices.

“We will continue to work with��Congress and the��administration to support a robust and competitive U.S. critical minerals industry—durable trade deals coupled��with permitting reform to unlock domestic resources and processing—so��manufacturers of all sizes have reliable access to the materials needed to produce innovative, next-generation products��and to��grow, compete and create jobs.”

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.90 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51�Թ��� or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit .

733 10th St. NW, Suite 700 • Washington, DC 20001 • (202) 637-3000

Draper, Inc. is an unusual manufacturer: a company with 700 employees located in a town—Spiceland, Indiana—with only 900 residents. Draper President Chris Broome said the town would “look a lot different” without Draper, and the company has “grown with the community”—hiring many residents of Spiceland, working closely with the school system, supporting the town library and community center, helping with cleanup efforts and much more.

Since 1902: Draper was founded near the start of the 20th century. A family-owned firm now helmed by the fifth generation—and looking ahead to the sixth—Draper began by manufacturing window shades. Since its founding, it has expanded into many other product lines, including projection screens and gym equipment.

• Broome is the great-great-grandson of founder Luther O. Draper, and he says with pride that his son now works as a regional salesperson—and is expected to step into the leadership role someday.

Staying in Spiceland: The company’s relationship to Spiceland, meanwhile, is one of deep commitment and respect. Many of the company’s employees live in the town itself, though some live in neighboring locations.

• The company’s longstanding residence in Spiceland has allowed it to create a singular workforce—where people stay for 20, 30, even 40 years, said Broome.
• Just like the company’s founding family, these employees often pass down their commitment to Draper. There are “families of two to three generations” who work at the company—which is “unique and really interesting,” said Broome.
• One factory department head has been at Draper for 53 years, having started right after high school. Both his parents worked at Draper, too, Broome added.

Recruitment: The company encourages its workers to “grow with the company” and recruits heavily from local high schools. Not only do local highschoolers take internships at the company, but whole classes come to Draper for tours.

• Draper works closely with the school system to place interns in exactly the right department, with the strong support of Indiana’s state educational department, said Broome.
• The students do “real work” for the company, he stressed, adding that one of the program’s key benefits is the way it teaches kids basic skills applicable to any working environment—like showing up on time and not getting distracted by their phones.
• “We’re really trying to teach them the basics for having a career in the future, to expose them to possibilities,” said Broome.

Policy talk: Broome credits tax reform with enabling the expansion of his remarkable company.

• First, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act’s provisions—made permanent last year in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—helped Draper build its new 100,000-square-foot facility, said Broome. Draper also “invested in equipment and automation, including a new automated paint line,” as well as solar panels for the new facility’s roof that now provide about 40% of its electricity, thanks to the bill’s provision for immediate expensing for equipment purchases.
• Second, tax reform’s estate tax measure—also made permanent last year—has helped the company plan for its future. Broome now has “much more certainty about preserving the company for the future and the ability to pass it down from generation to generation,” he said.

A new century: What is Draper working on in its second century? Automation and artificial intelligence are “important initiatives,” said Broome.

• Draper has created a cross-functional employee group to explore how AI can be built into many daily functions, an initiative that has begun to pay off already. Meanwhile, automating some manual parts of production, like pushcarts and spray guns, has helped Draper streamline and regularize operations, while freeing workers to do higher-level tasks.
• “We know that to be competitive in the worldwide economy, we will have to focus on doing more,” Broome concluded.

Washington, D.C. –��Following the Department of Treasury’s announcement that the United States has finalized a side-by-side agreement with OECD allies that will��shield manufacturers in America from damaging taxes, 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:

“Thanks to President Trump, Secretary Bessent and the administration, this finalized side-by-side agreement—cementing the��initial agreement��reached in summer 2025—will protect��both domestic and foreign-headquartered manufacturers investing in the United States from oppressive, job-killing taxes. Heeding the call of our industry, this deal will shield manufacturers from damaging taxes that unfairly stifle job creation in the U.S.

“Furthermore, today’s finalized deal gives manufacturers greater certainty to unlock the full potential of the historic tax provisions of H.R. 1 that manufacturers championed.

“The side-by-side global tax system will ensure that manufacturers in the U.S. can compete on a level playing field, invest in their operations and hire more workers. In short, this deal is a massive triumph for manufacturers in the United States.”

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.90 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51�Թ��� or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit��.��

733 10th St. NW, Suite 700 • Washington, DC 20001 • (202) 637-3000