51�Թ���

Upper Sandusky, OH – Today, the 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) and Kalmbach Feeds hosted Rep. Bob Latta (OH-5) for a facility tour to meet employees and a business leader roundtable to discuss the positive impact of tax reform and other ways Congress can better serve the interests of Ohio’s manufacturers, manufacturing workers and their families.

Thanks to Rep. Latta’s support for tax reform, manufacturers in Ohio and across America are delivering for our people and our communities, ����������51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons. Last year, manufacturers said that if tax reform became law we would raise wages, hire new workers, buy equipment and make investments for the future. Now, manufacturers like Kalmbach Feeds are keeping our promise, and America is better for it. Tax reform is empowering us to improve lives and livelihoods, and manufacturers are grateful for Rep. Latta’s leadership in making that possible.

During the visit, company leaders thanked Rep. Latta for voting in favor of the historic tax reform package and reiterated their optimism for the future of manufacturing in Ohio.

Ohio’s 5th Congressional District is home to more than 60,000 manufacturing jobs, said Rep. Latta. That means when the environment is positive for manufacturers, it benefits our entire region. Because of pro-growth policies like the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we’re seeing Ohio businesses expand, create jobs, and produce more American-made products. Manufacturing confidence is also reaching record highs. I appreciated visiting Kalmbach Feeds to see the positive economic impact that historic tax reform is having for workers and businesses in Northwest and West Central Ohio.

The roundtable focused on the importance of building on the momentum of tax reform to ensure manufacturers can continue to invest in their businesses and workers.

I want to thank Rep. Bob Latta for his role in the successful efforts to reduce taxes and regulations, said Paul Kalmbach, President and CEO of Kalmbach Feeds. These reforms have made it easier for Kalmbach Feeds to invest in new equipment and capital improvements. Congressman Latta’s efforts have assisted in supporting a healthier manufacturing climate in Ohio and across the United States.

Manufacturing contributes an estimated $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy and supports , according to the 51�Թ���. Since the enactment of tax reform, the manufacturing industry has added 192,000 jobs—more than double the number of jobs created over the same period last year.

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� (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 million men and women, contributes $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters 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 Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C.– With trade talks resuming between the United States and China today, 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement and negotiating objectives for an agreement:

With the president’s demonstrated commitment to engage China on its well-established trade abuses and cheating, there is no better time to get the right deal done to curb these practices. We agree with the administration that Beijing has long reaped the rewards of unfair trade practices at the expense of American workers, which is exactly why manufacturers have been calling for the negotiation of a fair, bilateral, enforceable, rules-based trade agreement to stop those practices at their foundation. The administration has put itself in a position to address the deep-seated challenges that exist in our trading relationship with China, and manufacturers are encouraged that the United States has succeeded in getting China back to the table for negotiations.

In January of this year Timmons and the 51�Թ���, in a letter to the president, urged the administration to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement with China. Now that talks are scheduled, Timmons urged that they need to start bearing fruit, because “the costs of a sustained trade war have the potential to be devastating for America’s manufacturers and workers.” Timmons pointed to a three-point framework released by the 51�Թ��� ahead of this week’s talks that outline manufacturers’ priorities to be included in any trade agreement between the two countries:

• Ending Unfairness: End Chinese Anti-Competitive Activities and Market-Distorting Barriers
• Protecting U.S. Assets: Protect U.S. Intellectual Property, Products and Investments 
• Raising Standards: Raise and Modernize Regulations and Regulatory Practices to Ensure Transparency, Fairness and Accountability

Achieving these objectives will help to level the playing field for manufacturers in the United States, opening critical markets for exports that support good, high-paying manufacturing jobs here at home while eliminating Chinese practices that unfairly boost their companies at the expense of ours and distort global markets.

����������� to read the full negotiating objectives framework.

Timmons first raised the need for such an agreement in a January  and he reiterated this call in a May . The 51�Թ��� has also  this year on the need for the administration to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement rather than pursue an escalating cycle of tariffs and retaliation.

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� (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 million men and women, contributes $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters 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 Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – The 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) and Kalmbach Feeds will host Rep. Bob Latta (OH-5) for a facility tour and business leader roundtable focused on the historic tax reform law and its positive impact on Ohio’s 5th District.

Manufacturing contributes an estimated $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy and supports , according to the 51�Թ���. Since the enactment of tax reform, the manufacturing industry has added 192,000 jobs—more than double the number of jobs created over the same period last year.

Details are as follows and for planning purposes only:

MEDIA RSVP: Members of the media interested in attending the town hall should contact 51�Թ��� Director of Regional Public Affairs Todd Shelton at [email protected].��For all questions not related to event logistics, please email 51�Թ��� Media Relations at[email protected]. Media is welcome to cover the facility tour at 2:15 p.m. To schedule an interview with Rep. Latta, please contact his communications director, Drew Griffin, at [email protected].

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� (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 million men and women, contributes $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters 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 Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Minerva, OH – Today, the 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) and American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) hosted Rep. Bill Johnson (OH-6) for a facility tour to meet employees and a business leader roundtable to discuss the positive impact of tax reform and the need to fill the high-skilled jobs required for modern manufacturing, which is critical to Ohio’s economic prosperity.

Thanks to Rep. Johnson’s support for tax reform, manufacturers in Ohio and across America are delivering for manufacturing workers and their communities, ����������51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons. We are keeping our promise to raise wages, hire new workers, buy equipment and make investments for the future. But at the same time, manufactures are facing a workforce crisis. With 482,000 jobs open today, manufacturers are in desperate need of talented workers to fill high-paying jobs. Manufacturers will more than 3 million jobs through 2025, but as many as 2 million could go unfilled if we don’t fundamentally transform our nation’s workforce development strategy. Manufacturers appreciate the work of leaders like Rep. Johnson to equip more people with the skills to secure a rewarding, meaningful career in modern manufacturing.

During the visit, company leaders thanked Rep. Johnson for voting in favor of the historic tax reform package and reiterated their optimism for the future of manufacturing in Ohio.

Reforming our nation’s outdated tax code through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has energized our economy, resulting in the lowest unemployment rate since 2000, record job creation, rising wages, and high levels of consumer and business optimism, said Rep. Johnson. It is absolutely vital that manufacturers in Eastern Ohio and across the country are supported, and I appreciated the opportunity to tour the AAM facility in Minerva and speak directly with employees there. I look forward to continuing my work to promote sensible policies that help both workers and employers—policies that ensure everyone wins.

The roundtable focused on the importance of building on the momentum of tax reform and helping build the high-skilled workforce to fill modern manufacturing jobs.

Manufacturing contributes an estimated $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy and supports , according to the 51�Թ���. Since the enactment of tax reform, the manufacturing industry has added 192,000 jobs—more than double the number of jobs created over the same period last year.

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� (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 million men and women, contributes $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters 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 Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Mount Olive, NC – Today,the 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) and Mt. Olive Pickle Company hosted Rep. David Rouzer (NC-7) for a facility tour and workforce development roundtable to discuss the need to fill the high-skilled jobs required for modern manufacturing, which is critical to North Carolina’s economic prosperity.

Manufacturers appreciate Rep. Rouzer’s commitment to building the modern manufacturing workforce and expanding opportunities for American workers, said 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons. Mt. Olive Pickle Company, like manufacturers across this country, face an urgent need for trained, talented workers, a need that will only grow in the coming years. Right now, manufacturers have some 482,000 jobs to fill—jobs that are rewarding and high-paying and help families build brighter futures. By 2025, as many as 2 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled, according to a by Deloitte and the 51�Թ���’s Manufacturing Institute. So, we need all elected leaders engaged, and we’re grateful for Rep. Rouzer’s leadership on this issue as well as other manufacturing issues like tax reform and regulatory relief, which have also empowered manufacturing workers.

During the facility tour, Rouzer had the opportunity to see firsthand the types of high-skilled jobs required to run Mt. Olive Pickle Company’s machinery and equipment.

As many in Wayne County know, Mt. Olive Pickle Company is critical to our local economy—employing approximately 500 folks in and around the area. It was an honor to visit the Mt. Olive facility, meet with employees and discuss the issues that matter most to them, said Rouzer. One of the main themes I keep hearing throughout the 7th District is the success our businesses and families have been experiencing as a result of tax cuts and tax reform. For far too long, individuals, families and businesses were burdened by an outdated and unfair tax code that was a drag on our economy and penalized hard-work. Lower taxes and a simpler tax code that rewards investment and hard work—along with the repeal of unnecessary and burdensome regulations—have created the conditions for a much stronger economy unleashing the talent and ingenuity of the American workforce. I look forward to Mt. Olive’s continued success and contributions to our citizens, economy and country.

During a roundtable discussion, company leaders thanked Rouzer for his commitment to helping build the high-skilled workforce needed to fill modern manufacturing jobs.

We have experienced significant growth in recent years, and that has generated a critical demand for dependable, skilled machine operators, maintenance technicians and general production employees, as well as those with capabilities in food science and other technical areas, said Mt. Olive Pickle Company Executive Chairman Bill Bryan. Our ability to continue to meet the demands of an increasingly sophisticated marketplace relies on having the right people in the right places within our organization.

Manufacturing contributes an estimated $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy and supports 460,200 jobs in North Carolina alone, according to the 51�Թ���.

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� (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 million men and women, contributes $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters 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 Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Sugarcreek, OH – Today, the 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) and The Belden Brick Company hosted Rep. Bob Gibbs (OH-7) for a facility tour and employee town hall to discuss the positive impact of tax reform and other ways Congress can better serve the interests of Ohio manufacturers, manufacturing workers and their families.

Thanks to Rep. Gibbs’ support for tax reform, manufacturers in Ohio and across America are delivering for manufacturing workers and their communities, said 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons. Last year, manufacturers said that if tax reform became law we would raise wages, hire new workers, buy equipment and make investments for the future. Now, manufacturers like The Belden Brick Company are keeping our promise, and America is better for it. Tax reform is empowering us to improve lives and livelihoods, and manufacturers are grateful for Rep. Gibbs’ leadership in making that possible.

During the visit, company leaders thanked Rep. Gibbs for voting in favor of the historic tax reform package and reiterated their optimism for the future of manufacturing in Ohio.

We are seeing incredible economic growth because of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the rollback of burdensome and unnecessary regulations, said Rep. Gibbs. A big part of that growth is the manufacturing renaissance America is experiencing. The vast majority of manufacturers are taking advantage of this positive economic climate, with plans to hire more workers and increase investments in their businesses. Manufacturers like Belden Brick fuel job growth, giving Americans more opportunities for work and making their communities a better place.

The roundtable focused on the importance of building on the momentum of tax reform to ensure manufacturers can continue to invest in their businesses and workers.

I want to thank Bob Gibbs for his role in the successful efforts to reduce taxes and regulations, said Bob Belden, chairman, president and CEO of The Belden Brick Company. These reforms have made it easier for The Belden Brick Company to invest in new equipment and capital improvements. His efforts are a key part of rebuilding and sustaining a healthier manufacturing climate in Ohio and across the United States.

Manufacturing contributes an estimated $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy and supports 687,400 jobs in Ohio alone, according to the 51�Թ���. Since the enactment of tax reform, the manufacturing industry has added 192,000 jobs—more than double the number of jobs created over the same period last year.

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� (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 million men and women, contributes $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters 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 Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – The 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) and The Belden Brick Company will host Rep. Bob Gibbs (OH-7) for a facility tour and employee town hall focused on the historic tax reform law and its positive impact on Ohio’s 7th District.

Manufacturing contributes an estimated $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy and supports , according to the 51�Թ���. Since the enactment of tax reform, the manufacturing industry has added 192,000 jobs—more than double the number of jobs created over the same period last year.

Details are as follows and for planning purposes only:

MEDIA RSVP: Members of the media interested in attending the town hall should contact 51�Թ��� Director of Regional Public Affairs Todd Shelton at [email protected].��For all questions not related to event logistics, please email 51�Թ��� Media Relations at[email protected].Media is welcome to cover the facility tour at 10:30 a.m. and the town hall at 11:00 a.m. To schedule an interview with Rep. Gibbs, please contact his deputy chief of staff, Dallas Gerber, at [email protected].

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� (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 million men and women, contributes $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters 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 Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Twinsburg, OH – Today, the 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) and Rockwell Automation hosted Rep. Dave Joyce (OH-14) for a facility tour, employee town hall and business leader roundtable to discuss the positive impact of tax reform and the need to fill the high-skilled jobs required for modern manufacturing, which is critical to Ohio’s economic prosperity.

Thanks to Rep. Joyce’s support for tax reform, manufacturers in Ohio and across America are delivering for manufacturing workers and their communities, said 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons. We are keeping our promise to raise wages, hire new workers, buy equipment and make investments for the future. But at the same time, manufactures are facing a workforce crisis. With 482,000 jobs open today, manufacturers are in desperate need of talented workers to fill high-paying jobs. Manufacturers will more than 3 million jobs through 2025, but as many as 2 million could go unfilled if we don’t fundamentally transform our nation’s workforce development strategy. Manufacturers appreciate the work of leaders like Rep. Joyce to equip more people with the skills to secure a rewarding, meaningful career in modern manufacturing.

During the visit, company leaders thanked Rep. Joyce for voting in favor of the historic tax reform package and reiterated their optimism for the future of manufacturing in Ohio.

Ohio manufacturing is growing at an amazing rate thanks to the pro-growth policies we have put into place, said Rep. Joyce. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has encouraged American businesses to create more products and jobs in America, fueling our local, state and national economies. It is great to hear from local manufacturers in Northeast Ohio growing and investing more in their businesses and employees, and I will continue to advocate on their behalf in Congress.

Manufacturing’s success hinges on having a highly skilled production workforce that supports the advanced technologies that are essential to modern manufacturing competitiveness, said Bruce Quinn, Rockwell Automation vice president of public affairs. No matter how much you automate, people remain your most important asset. We are confident that the impact of U.S. tax reform on our customers could strengthen our future performance. Corporate tax reform enables us to use excess cash to invest in organic growth and acquisitions.

Manufacturing contributes an estimated $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy and supports 687,400 jobs in Ohio alone, according to the 51�Թ���. Since tax reform was enacted, the manufacturing industry has added 192,000 jobs—more than double the number of jobs created over the same period last year.

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� (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 million men and women, contributes $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quartersof 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 Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – The 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) and Rockwell Automation will host Rep. David Joyce (OH-14) for a facility tour to meet employees and hold a business leader roundtable focused on the historic tax reform law and its positive impact on Ohio’s 14th District.

Manufacturing contributes an estimated $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy and supports . This event will highlight not only why manufacturers are feeling confident about the future of the industry on the heels of historic tax reform, but also the importance of helping build the high-skilled workforce to fill modern manufacturing jobs.

Details are as follows and for planning purposes only:

MEDIA RSVP: Members of the media interested in attending the town hall should contact 51�Թ��� Director of Regional Public Affairs Todd Shelton at [email protected].��For all questions not related to event logistics, please email 51�Թ��� Media Relations at[email protected]. Media is welcome to cover the tour at 9:30 a.m. and the roundtable at 10:00 a.m.To schedule an interview with Rep. Joyce, please contact his communications director, Nick Ciofani, at [email protected].

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� (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 million men and women, contributes $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters 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 Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on the implementation of an additional $16 billion in U.S. tariffs on China:

This announcement underscores that the administration needs to get Beijing back to the negotiating table, as manufacturers  for months.

Two things are abundantly clear to manufacturers: China cheats, and another round of tariffs on China will not fix the problem. As the administration rightly notes, China attempts to force U.S. companies to hand over valuable technology, restricts foreign investment, distorts the free market to give their own companies an advantage, undercuts us in the global economy and steals manufacturers’ intellectual property. While these additional tariffs may be an attempt to create more leverage, they also increase the risks for manufacturing in America and add to mounting uncertainty. We are already seeing price increases that will be felt by consumers and working families, and additional retaliatory tariffs could close major markets off to U.S. exports. Manufacturing workers are feeling the pain of tariffs, as are American consumers. If the point is to put pressure on China to change its actions, tariffs paid by American businesses and consumers are simply not effective.

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� (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 million men and women, contributes $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters 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 Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.