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Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc., a manufacturer of restroom accessories for non-residential buildings, is creating new jobs in the U.S. by expanding its toilet partition product line production in Tennessee. This $4.5 million investment in U.S. manufacturing was made possible thanks to the strong economy and competitiveness fostered by tax reform.

In 2018, shortly after the passage of tax reform, Bobrick acquired a competitor based in the United Kingdom. Bobrick has since moved production for the North American product lines to its Jackson, Tenn., facility, where they just completed a 40,000-square-foot expansion.

“Bobrick is a great example of a global company relocating manufacturing from international operations to be closer and more responsive to domestic markets,” said Bobrick President Mark Louchheim. “I’m proud that we’ve been able to do that, especially as we expand.”

Since the beginning of 2017, Bobrick has increased its workforce by more than 30 percent, and the company plans to hire more workers in the coming months.

In addition, Bobrick is investing in its five other North American plants to help them continue to stay on the cutting edge of manufacturing technology.

“We’re truly in a renaissance of manufacturing when it comes to technological advances,” explained Louchheim. “We’ve made significant investments in all of our plants. Robotics and modern technology have made us more efficient than ever as a manufacturer. The increased competitiveness from productivity gains resulted in growth, and not a reduction in our labor force. Therefore, we are not only growing the company, but we’re also developing our workforce with higher-level skills and pay.”

Bobrick’s commitment shows that the future for U.S. manufacturing is bright.

“Tax reform leveled the playing field for manufacturers,” said Chris Netram, the 51�Թ��� Vice President of Tax and Domestic Economic Policy. “Bobrick is a great example of what manufacturers have been saying all along. Making our tax code more competitive sets the stage for companies of all shapes and sizes to create jobs, grow the economy and invest in the U.S.”

“The lower corporate tax rate made a huge impact on our ability to continue to invest in this business,” said Louchheim. “We couldn’t be more excited about the good things to come.”

Washington, D.C. – Vice President Mike Pence will deliver remarks at the 51�Թ���’ Winter Board of Directors meeting on Friday, February 14, 2020. The meeting will mark the 125^th Anniversary of the 51�Թ���’s founding as well as the launch of the historic .

WHAT: Remarks by Vice President Mike Pence at the 51�Թ���’s Winter Board of Directors meeting in Washington, D.C.; introduction by 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons.

WHERE: The Conrad Hotel

950 New York Ave NW

Washington, DC 20001

WHEN: Friday, February 14, 2020

11:15 a.m. EST

Media Check-In: 9:45 a.m. EST at the Terrace Boardroom on the 3^rd Floor.

**Members of the media interested in attending Vice President Mike Pence’s remarks should RSVP to [email protected] with full name, name of outlet and contact information by COB, February, 13, 2020.

***The Vice President’s remarks will be streamed live at .

-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 more than��12.8��million men and women, contributes $2.37��trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic��multiplier��of any major sector and accounts for��63%��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 Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit

Last week, the first drug to treat life-threatening peanut allergies was approved by the Food and Drug Administration, offering families and children new protection against potentially deadly reactions.

The therapy, manufactured by Aimmune Therapeutics, opens the door to additional remedies that may change how food allergies are treated and give millions of people the chance to enjoy experiences like plane travel and meals at a restaurant without worrying about dangerous inadvertent exposure or cross-contamination. Aimmune is working on additional food allergy treatments as well, offering hope to individuals who suffer from a range of severe allergies.

This new development is an example of the manufacturing industry’s capacity for innovation, and a reminder of the importance of research and development. Currently, pharmaceutical manufacturers in the United States spend more on research and development than any other industry. With approximately 1,100 facilities in the United States, pharmaceutical manufacturers are leading a period of significant medical breakthrough.

“As the employers of nearly 13 million Americans, manufacturers care deeply about lowering the cost of health care—and as the innovators behind many revolutionary medicines, manufacturers are also committed to delivering lifesaving and life-changing cures for people in this country and around the world,” said Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the 51�Թ���. “In order to continue that work, we need policymakers to take an approach to drug pricing that protects our ability to provide quality health care and spur innovation, not squash it.”

Some approaches to lowering drug prices, such as international price indexing, which is a form of price fixing, would have adverse effects by preventing manufacturers from investing in life-saving innovations. These price controls act as a tax on manufacturers, leaving less money for research and development and fewer investments in potential cures for debilitating conditions and illnesses that affect millions of vulnerable people.

Instead, manufacturers urge policymakers to take more constructive solutions that preserve American innovation and quality of care.

“The men and women who keep U.S. manufacturing facilities running go to work every day with one goal: to keep Americans healthy,” said Timmons. “We know that our elected leaders share that goal as well, but good intentions must be paired with good policy.”

Washington, D.C. – The 51�Թ��� announced today that Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump will be the inaugural recipient of the association’s Alexander Hamilton Award.

The new award, presented to mark the 125th anniversary of the 51�Թ��� and the launch of its historic “Creators Wanted” workforce campaign, recognizes leaders who, like Hamilton, inspire Americans to promote, perpetuate and preserve manufacturing in America.

“Ivanka Trump embodies the collaborative spirit and relentless drive needed to solve manufacturers’ most pressing challenge—the workforce crisis. Like no one in government has ever done, she has provided singular leadership and shown an unwavering commitment to modern manufacturing in America. The Alexander Hamilton Award honors leaders who have made exceptional contributions to growing manufacturing in the United States and to empowering more Americans with high-tech, high-paying modern manufacturing jobs,” said 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons. “For her work bringing together leaders of industry, government and academia to put in-demand careers within reach for all Americans, Ivanka stands out as the perfect choice for this award.”

Trump is a champion of promoting the many pathways to well-paying, high-skilled manufacturing jobs. Last year, she attended an event at Alabama Robotics Technology Park in Huntsville to support the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program. The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce and education partner of the 51�Թ���—took over stewardship of the FAME program, originally developed and refined by Toyota, announcing the transition during the Huntsville event. FAME is the preeminent earn-and-learn manufacturing apprenticeship, employer-driven program that focuses on the culture of manufacturing along with the necessary technical skills. Trump also chairs the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board, which provides advice and recommendations on ways to encourage the private sector and educational institutions to combat the skills gap crisis. Last July, Timmons joined President Trump and Ivanka Trump to sign the Pledge to America’s Workers, with manufacturers committing to provide training opportunities to 1,186,000 manufacturing workers over the next five years.

“As advances in technology and automation change the national economy, so too must the country’s education and job training systems change to prepare Americans for the emerging industries of the future, including advanced manufacturing,” said Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump. “America is home to the best workforce in the world, but the skills of today do not mirror those of tomorrow. I am committed to ensuring our workforce is equipped with the skills they need to seize the vast opportunities that lie ahead.”

The award will be presented in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 12, 2020, during an 51�Թ��� event to kick off the “Creators Wanted” campaign—an unprecedented, nationwide effort to reshape America’s perception of manufacturing and confront the industry’s growing skills gap. Developed by the 51�Թ��� and The Manufacturing Institute, “Creators Wanted” will feature an on-the-ground, interactive mobile tour in more than 20 states designed to inspire Americans to pursue high-tech, well-paying jobs in modern manufacturing.

“The stakes are high for the manufacturing industry to fill 4.6 million jobs by 2028, according to a study by The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte,” said Timmons. “To do that, the 51�Թ��� will continue to work with leaders in both parties to solve the workforce crisis and to strengthen manufacturing for the future.”��

-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 more than 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.37 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% 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 Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

-The 51�Թ���’s Alexander��Hamilton��Award-

Alexander��Hamilton, the nation’s first secretary of the treasury, issued a Report on Manufacturers to the U.S. Congress in 1791. Concerned with the nation’s debt, dearth of foreign trade and overwhelming dependence on agriculture, he argued for the need to foster manufacturing to promote growth, security and overall well-being. Some considered his vision too radical at the time. His report represented, according to the words of one historian, “the grand design by which the United States became the greatest industrial power in the world.”

Washington, D.C. – 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement reacting to the 2020 State of the Union address:

“With the historic USMCA, unprecedented China deal, game-changing tax reform and ever-growing regulatory certainty, manufacturers have been given powerful tools to keep investing in our people and our communities. We are ready to join the President in building on this progress and achieve the brighter, more optimistic future he envisioned tonight. It is up to manufacturers to continue keeping our promises—to invest in America, hire American workers and raise wages and benefits, while also providing��environmental stewardship alongside economic growth.

“The manufacturing agenda is a post-partisan agenda, and one we have spelled out clearly for candidates and elected leaders in ‘Competing to Win.’ When we agree, as we often did with the President tonight, we will work together, regardless of party. For instance, President Trump is right to issue a bold call to action on infrastructure, and as the USMCA proved, partisan division does not have to be a barrier to progress. On the other hand, we must not curtail our pharmaceutical manufacturers’ ability to conduct vital research and development to cure diseases and fight future epidemics similar to the coronavirus. And on immigration, the solution must be comprehensive, as outlined in the 51�Թ���’s ‘A Way Forward.’

“All of us must come��together to solve the most pressing challenge facing manufacturers: our workforce crisis. Through the 51�Թ���’s historic ‘Creators Wanted’ campaign, we are embarking on a sustained, nationwide effort to reach millions of Americans, to narrow the skills gap and inspire a new generation to pursue the high-tech, high-paying jobs of modern manufacturing.

“For manufacturers, it’s not about politics or personality or process—it’s about good policy, policy that puts us on a trajectory to exceed even our loftiest ambitions. That’s what we expect from our presidents and politicians, and we will hold them accountable, just as we promise to hold ourselves to account as well.”

-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 more than 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.37 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% 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 Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit .

Today, the Iowa caucuses will kick off the Democratic presidential primary, beginning the months-long process to decide which candidate will represent the party in November. As is so often the case, the men and women who make things in America are in a position to have their voices heard and play a leading role in determining the outcome—in Iowa and across the country.

Manufacturers account for almost 19% of Iowa’s total economic output, and the 233,000 manufacturing jobs in Iowa make up about 14% of the state’s workforce. Between those manufacturing workers and the tens of thousands more jobs and households supported by manufacturers’ indirect impact on Iowa’s economy, manufacturing voters are poised to play an important role in shaping Iowa’s election-night decision—and manufacturers are positioned to lead on solutions with voters and candidates alike.

“Support for pro-growth policies should span the political spectrum, and for the most part it does,” said Doug Neumann, executive director of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. “During his 51�Թ��� State of Manufacturing Address, Jay’s message on ‘post-partisanship’ really resonated with the Iowa business community. In my community, we try to lead this way with our elected officials and work with whoever is elected to get things done.”

According to Nicole Crain, executive vice president of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, the business community in Iowa wants a candidate who supports manufacturing issues and understands their challenges.

“Business leaders like certainty and the ability to plan investments in their business five, ten years into the future,” said Crain. “As the election gets closer, leaders will be looking for a candidate who understands business, is open to hearing the concerns of employers and considers their positions when proposing policies for the country.”

Trade, immigration and workforce are top of mind for manufacturers.

“Iowa manufacturing voters have a crucial role to play during the caucuses and throughout the 2020 election season,” said Michael O’Brien, 51�Թ��� assistant vice president of advocacy. “That’s why the 51�Թ��� will work diligently throughout the year to make sure that manufacturing voters understand the issues and the stakes for manufacturing come Election Day.”

Washington, D.C. – 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement after President Trump signed the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement:

We once again thank President Trump, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and leaders of both parties in Congress for their herculean efforts to deliver this win for manufacturers of all sizes—from small family businesses to iconic global brands. The USMCA will finally provide manufacturers the certainty they need to keep reaching for new heights and secure the millions of American jobs that depend on North American trade. Manufacturers were proud to help shape the USMCA, to mobilize and build historic bipartisan support for the deal and to be on hand as President Trump affixed his signature to the legislation.

-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 more than 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.37 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% 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 Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit .

Last week, 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons delivered the 2020 State of Manufacturing Address at Vermeer Corporation in Pella, Iowa, highlighting the 51�Թ���’s policy agenda and laying out manufacturers’ priorities. Coinciding with the 125th anniversary of the founding of the 51�Թ���, the kicks off a yearlong focus on the association’s contributions to manufacturing and its work to strengthen the industry going forward.

“The story of the past 125 years is one of manufacturers…changing our country for the better, and being the solution,” said Timmons. “That’s our calling for the next 125 years.”

Timmons honed in on , an unprecedented campaign led by the Manufacturing Institute, the 51�Թ���’s workforce and education partner, to attract a new generation and change the industry’s perception. This spring, the Creators Wanted Tour is expected to engage more than 250,000 Americans with high-tech manufacturing and reach more than 15 million people online.�� The tour stops will build momentum for the Making America Festival in Cincinnati in September. Timmons also announced major Creators Wanted sponsorships from Vermeer and neighboring Iowa manufacturer Pella Corporation.

At the event, the 51�Թ��� released its “Competing to Win” agenda, a detailed roadmap for candidates and elected officials. Representing 12.8 million men and women who make things in America—from small business owners to global companies in every industrial sector—Timmons called for the nation to support leaders who stand for free enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty and equal opportunity.

After the Address, Timmons participated in a panel with Vermeer’s President and CEO Jason Andringa, moderated by 51�Թ���’s Senior Vice President of Communications and Brand Strategy Erin Streeter. They further emphasized the role business leaders should play in helping unify the nation, the success of manufacturers’ trade agenda and Andringa’s ability to make unprecedented investments in his business due to tax and regulatory reform.

“Manufacturers like us are proud to offer rewarding careers, to support our community and to strengthen our country,” said Andringa. “Like millions of men and women across the United States, we are committed to building a better future—and today, we’re more optimistic than ever about what that future holds.”

View a photo gallery from the event.

Want to help shape the future? Learn how to , and read Competing to Win, our policy blueprint for candidates and elected officials.

Washington, D.C. –��51�Թ��� Vice President of Labor, Legal and Regulatory Policy Patrick Hedren released the following statement on the Department of Homeland Security’s report on combatting counterfeit goods sold over the internet:

Manufacturers have always had to deal with counterfeit goods, but the issue has become much more widespread in recent years, resulting in a better understanding of the challenge ahead and what must be done to overcome it. This report lays out proposals to deal with gaps in enforcement and the role of online platforms, which are two important pieces of the puzzle. The administration’s breakthrough “phase one” deal with China included strong, enforceable intellectual property protections to help counter the import of fake goods, and as the report recognizes, we need additional effective tools and better agency coordination with the private sector to fight back. At the end of the day, this is about as bipartisan an issue as you can find—and the solution should be, too. We look forward to reviewing the details of the report and working with members of Congress, the administration and private-sector stakeholders to better protect the public from the threat of fake goods.

-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 more than��12.8��million men and women, contributes $2.37��trillion to the U.S. economy annually andhas the largest economic��multiplier��of any major sector and accounts for��63%��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 Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit.

Washington, D.C. –��51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons delivered the eighth-annual 51�Թ��� State of Manufacturing Address today at equipment manufacturer Vermeer Corporation in Pella, Iowa. Speaking to Vermeer Corporation employees, business and community leaders and local manufacturers, Timmons highlighted the 51�Թ���’s ambitious plan to address the industry’s growing workforce crisis with the groundbreaking, multimillion-dollar “Creators Wanted” campaign.

In his remarks, Timmons said:

“For 125 years, your��51�Թ��� has led the business community and fought for all who make things in America.��And all of you in this room, and the 13 million men and women in our industry, some of whom are watching today, are part of the storied history of building an exceptional nation. And Vermeer, this very company, embodies the story of manufacturers’ progress.”

. . . .

“In this pivotal year, the 51�Թ��� and The Manufacturing Institute, our workforce and education partner, are setting out on an unprecedented campaign to inspire a new generation—and tell the real story of our industry. . . . Our historic effort, called “Creators Wanted,” is a capital campaign that will support the programs of the Manufacturing Institute—including the STEP Women’s Initiative, youth engagement and Heroes MAKE America, which trains our returning servicemembers for high-paying manufacturing jobs.”

. . . .

“Just yesterday, in his remarks at the World Economic Forum, President Trump touted manufacturing’s growth and success during his presidency. As I’ve said before, from tax reform to regulatory certainty to leveling the playing field, promises made to manufacturers have been promises kept—and the employment and output numbers show it.”

. . . .

“Here’s what I will say about this election . . . It’s not the label next to a candidate’s name—whether an “R,” a “D” or an “I”—that determines whether he or she will be a good president or even a good member of Congress. The test is whether he or she will work to uphold the values that make America exceptional. These are the same four values, the same four pillars, that make our industry’s success possible.”

Timmons also noted the generous contributions made by Vermeer and Pella Corporation to the 51�Թ���’s Creators Wanted campaign.

“And I am proud to announce today that Vermeer Corporation, along with your foundation and Mary and Dr. Dale Andringa, have contributed $100,000 to this cause. And another local manufacturer, Pella Corporation, is also leading by example with a $100,000 contribution of their own,” said Timmons.

Vermeer Corporation President and CEO Jason Andringa thanked Timmons for his visit and the 51�Թ���’s commitment to ensuring the long-term success of manufacturing in the United States.

“Thank you to Jay Timmons and the 51�Թ��� for visiting Vermeer Corporation and recognizing the incredible work of our team members and manufacturers across the country,” said Andringa. “These men and women truly demonstrate the impact our industry makes every day and represent the success of American manufacturing.”

To read the full address, click��.

-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 more than 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.37 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% 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 Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit .