AMT Sees Obama Administration’s Manufaturing Report as Important Step

By DE Editors

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, recognizes the Obama Administration’s “Manufacturing Framework for Revitalizing American Manufacturing” as an important step in strengthening America’s beleaguered manufacturing sector. 

“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,” said Douglas K. Woods, AMT’s president. “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.

“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 export control policy, and add to the ranks of the US’s manufacturing work force.

“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. 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. 

For more information, visit AMT.

Sources:  Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.