The Association For Manufacturing Technology Looks to Obama Administration

It is encouraging that President Obama recognizes that a strong manufacturing sector is critical to America’s future. It is also important that the President recognizes the challenges manufacturers face to effectively compete in the global marketplace,” Douglas K. Woods, AMT’s President, said. “Now it is time to expand upon those ideas and turn ideas into action.

Woods unveiled AMT’s own Manufacturing Mandate earlier this fall, calling on the federal government to provide policies that increase global competitiveness and export promotion; support innovation and R&D; assure the availability of capital; minimize structural cost burdens; and develop a smart force work force that will take manufacturing to the next level. Woods noted, however, that the goals of a strong, competitive manufacturing sector will not be achieved through government action alone, but through an effective collaboration between government, academia, and industry.

It seems AMT, along with other manufacturing associations, has done a good job in making its case.  The Administration’s Manufacturing Framework mirrors AMT’s mandate in key areas.

AMT shares President Obama’s strong commitment to research and development. America is known as a leader in innovative manufacturing technologies,” Woods said. “It is important that we remain ahead of the curve through significant government R&D support. Our foreign competitors are certainly committed.

AMT also supports the President’s proposals to expand the advanced energy manufacturing tax credit, reform our outdated export control policy, and add to the ranks of our manufacturing work force. However, these initiatives alone are not enough. More needs to be done to lessen the structural cost burdens on manufacturing.

And a greater commitment to building our work force cannot be overemphasized.

U.S. manufacturing workers are among the most skilled and highly paid in the country. It is critical that we support programs which encourage young talent to explore career paths in manufacturing, Woods noted.

The Administration is focused on energy. That’s great, but we would like to see a broader approach to revitalizing manufacturing.” Woods said. “Now is the time for the Administration and Congress to also address the tax, legal, and regulatory impediments to our competitiveness.

AMT also supports extension of the 50 percent bonus depreciation and enhanced Sec. 179 expensing business tax incentives that were included in the Recovery Act.

Today, manufacturers are uncertain about their future, Woods added. To restore confidence, we need to incentivize capital investment and lessen the costs of manufacturing in America.

AMT appreciates the attention the Administration has paid to manufacturing in issuing this manufacturing framework. We look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to take the next steps in building a vital manufacturing sector.

Founded in 1902, the Association For Manufacturing Technology represents and promotes the interests of American providers of manufacturing machinery and equipment.  Its goal is to promote technological advancements and improvements in the design, manufacture and sale of members’ products in those markets and acts as an industry advocate on trade matters to governments and trade organizations throughout the world.