Automation Engineering Company Announces Addition Of Olin Bundy As South Central Territory Manager

GREENVILLE, S.C. — January 25, 2021 — Automation Engineering Co. (AEC) of Greenville, S.C., a collaborative solutions provider to industrial companies, has announced the hiring of Olin Bundy as its new South Central Territory manager. Based in Edmond, Okla., Olin brings decades of management, sales, operational, and leadership experience in the areas of automation, manufacturing, and project implementation.

In his role as South Central Territory manager of AEC, Bundy will be responsible for client engagement with leading manufacturers throughout the South Central U.S. region, including Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, and Arkansas.

Automation Engineering Co. offers expertise in a broad range of mechanical, automation, control, and electrical engineering services, supported by extensive in-house manufacturing capabilities. From project collaboration and design, to finished systems, AEC provides end-to-end process automation solutions for the aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, controls, medical, textiles, transport, and machine tool industries.

Over his career, Bundy has been responsible for operations management, quality assurance program implementations, warehouse inventory systems design, Lean Sigma 6 initiatives, industrial process control, customer facilitation, sales, and marketing.

Bundy’s leadership will help AEC even better serve the South Central region, as a proven provider of automation and manufacturing solutions. “The strength of a team is each individual member, and I am excited to be joining a team that is highly driven to facilitate the right solutions for the customer,” Bundy said.

Bundy holds an MBA in Industrial Management from Baker College Center for Graduate Studies and has nearly 25 years of cross-functional team leadership and problem-solving experience.

Posted January 25, 2021

Source: Automation Engineering Co.

Tobias Nanda To Lead Gordon Brothers Brands Team

BOSTON — January 25, 2021 — Gordon Brothers, the global advisory, restructuring and investment firm, has named Tobias Nanda president of Brands.

Based in Boston, Nanda is responsible for developing and executing Gordon Brothers’ brand investment strategies through acquisition and lending in all global markets. He has nearly 20 years of experience leading deals, serving on boards of directors and actively working with management teams in private equity to develop and implement their corporate growth strategies.

Prior to leading Gordon Brothers’ brand investment strategies, Nanda held senior positions at several private equity firms and was Vice President of GB Merchant Partners at Gordon Brothers. He is a former board director of global brands and branded retailers in the United States, United Kingdom and European Union.

“We are delighted to welcome Tobias back to Gordon Brothers,” said Ken Frieze, CEO of Gordon Brothers. “He has the industry knowledge and experience to lead the global brand platform and find value for clients by leveraging their brands.”

“I’m excited to return to Gordon Brothers and lead an evolving and dynamic brands team,” Nanda said. “Gordon Brothers is a pioneer in finding asset value, and I’m looking forward to building on this legacy of identifying and monetizing assets with brands, trademarks and intellectual property.”

Gordon Brothers values, acquires, resurrects and invests globally to maximize intellectual property and help revive and reimagine some of the world’s most iconic brands.

The firm’s most recent global transactions include the acquisition of the Laura Ashley brand from its U.K. Administrators, bridge financing for American retailer Brooks Brothers, a secured term loan facility to global brand Mothercare and the sale of British brand Bench to Wraith, an affiliate of Apparel Brands Limited. Additionally, Gordon Brothers partnered with an investment advisor who arranged a senior secured credit facility for an international infant and toddler toy and product manufacturer.

Gordon Brothers provides both short- and long-term transition capital to clients undergoing transformation. Additionally, the firm invests directly in brands to provide broader solutions beyond the firm’s market-leading disposition and appraisal services and finds best in class value for brands by product, geography and licenses.

Posted January 25, 2021

Source: Gordon Brothers

National Hemp Association Presents Climate Action Plan

WASHINGTON — January 22, 2021 — In a demonstration on how Hemp is America’s next natural resource, the National Hemp Association has produced and submitted to the White House, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, an action plan detailing how hemp can be incorporated into the major climate initiatives identified by the Biden Administration.

Hemp became a legal commodity crop through the Hemp Farming Act of 2018 which was contained within the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018.  Hemp, which had been absent in the American landscape for more than 85 years, is now seen as one of the most promising sustainable commodity crops; it not only consumes three times more CO2 than any other crop on the planet, it is used in a multitude of products including lightweight auto components, bio-plastics, housing and commercial buildings, fuel cells for electric vehicles, paper, textiles, food, cosmetics and nutraceuticals. As the world turns to using more plant-based products, hemp can save the family farm and mitigate climate change to improve the condition of humankind.

The NHA National Climate Action Plan has identified the following areas within the Biden-Harris Climate Change Policy where hemp can be a major contributor:

  • Infrastructure;
  • Auto industry;
  • Transit;
  • Power sector;
  • Buildings;
  • Housing;
  • Agriculture and conservation; and
  • Environmental justice.

“History confirms that the world looks to America to lead change, be it industrial, cultural or environmental. This is more true today than ever before, as we look to combat the global climate crisis affecting humankind. We know American ingenuity will drive many of these solutions and can do so with plant-based technologies. Hemp, America’s newest commodity crop, will be at the forefront of this regenerative economic and social shift; helping create jobs, clean our soil and air, and introduce sustainable new products once only dreamed about. Hemp is America’s next natural resource.” — Geoff Whaling, Chair, National Hemp Association

NHA looks forward to working with Congress and the Biden Administration to help achieve a sustainable future using hemp.

Posted January 25, 2021

Source: National Hemp Association (NHA)

Vizient Invests With PPE Manufacturers To Expand U.S.-Based Manufacturing And Help Stabilize Supply

IRVING, Texas — January 25, 2021 — From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals across the country have been facing extraordinary challenges in accessing adequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE). To help expand the available supply of many of these items, Vizient Inc. entered into strategic partnership agreements with Encompass, Standard Textile and Prestige Ameritech. Since establishing these agreements, these companies have expanded production capacity and enabled Vizient member hospitals access to some of the most sought-after PPE in health care today.

“Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Sourcing strategies that work during normal business conditions are not enough to answer the call for hospitals today,” said Bharat Sundaram, president and COO for Vizient. “We have acted on behalf of our member hospitals by investing more than $12 million of our capital to help suppliers bring new, domestic manufacturing capacity online and by leveraging our supplier relationships and sourcing expertise to respond to the ongoing PPE needs of those working on the front lines caring for patients.”

Building on an earlier agreement with Encompass Group LLC for 19 million disposable gowns, in August, Vizient announced a new agreement with the company to provide an additional 65 million AAMI level 3 disposable isolation gowns manufactured annually in North America to its member hospitals. Since then, Vizient has partnered to help Encompass start a new, automated manufacturing line for disposable gowns in the United States, bringing both supply and onshore resiliency for these products. The new manufacturing line is expected to be up and running in the first quarter of 2022.

Vizient has also partnered with Standard Textile to expand its US-based manufacturing operations for Vizient members. In the initial months of the pandemic, the agreement provided 1.4 million reusable fabric cover gowns, approximately 75 uses each; 1 million reusable fabric face masks, approximately 50 uses each; and 500,000 reusable plastic face shields with an unlimited number of uses, for Vizient members.

In August, Standard Textile joined the Novaplus Enhanced Supply Program, which provides Vizient members with supply assurance through globally diversified manufacturing and U.S.-based stockpiles. As a result, an additional 5.2 million reusable gowns, 1.3 million shoe covers, 1.5 million bouffant caps, 1.5 million skull caps and 1.3 million fabric face masks per year will be available for Vizient members who participate in the program. The reusable aspect of the products in this contract is significant and contributes to sizeable financial savings. As an example, 1 million reusable gowns equal approximately 75 million total uses.

Vizient’s commitment to Prestige Ameritech for nine million N95 masks over a 12-month period has also been extremely valuable to member hospitals. This product is all manufactured in the United States. Since the agreement launched in April 2020, approximately 700,000 masks have been delivered monthly to program participants. Working together, Vizient and Prestige Ameritech have been able to protect thousands more health care workers than would have otherwise been possible.

“These capital investments and commitments with PPE manufacturers are an unprecedented step by Vizient to support the wide range of hospitals that we represent, including many that don’t have the financial ability to secure and maintain the inventory necessary to ensure consistent supply for their staff,” Sundaram said. “Additionally, these investments demonstrate our support for onshore manufacturing of PPE, which we believe is critical to overall supply chain resiliency going forward.”

Posted January 25, 2021

Source: Vizient Inc.

USMCA & Canada-U.S. Lawyer Daniel Ujczo Joins Thompson Hine’s International Trade Practice

COLUMBUS, Ohio — January 25, 2021 — Thompson Hine LLP is pleased to announce that Daniel Ujczo has joined its International Trade and Transportation practices as senior counsel in the Columbus, Ohio, office. He joins from Dickinson Wright PLLC, where he was the Canada-U.S. practice group chair.

“Dan’s unique qualifications and experience enable him to provide our clients with an insider’s perspective from all angles,” said Michael Wible, partner-in-charge of Thompson Hine’s Columbus office. “He is one of a handful of lawyers with both a Canada-focused practice and a U.S.-focused practice, and he has established a dynamic network of contacts through his government, private sector and academic positions. He will be an excellent resource for our clients.”

Ujczo provides comprehensive counsel across clients’ Canada-U.S., North American and global supply chains on matters including customs classification and compliance, utilization of preferential trade agreements such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), tariff mitigation and exclusions, procurement issues such as Buy America/Buy American, and antidumping/countervailing duties. He also advises on negotiating transportation agreements, managing trusted trader and related security programs, and addressing port-of-entry issues.

His vast experience includes interpreting USMCA rules of origin and developing compliance regimes for companies in the automotive, advanced manufacturing, chemical, textile polymer and technology sectors. Ujczo also has represented a large agri-food association and retailers in trade negotiations, including under the USMCA, and serves as outside general counsel to a Canadian-U.S. real estate private equity fund leading one of the largest privately funded economic development projects in North America. In addition, he has experience designing and negotiating suites of master transportation agreements across all modes for large corporations and conducting training on these topics for their business teams.

Ujczo’s unique Canada-U.S. background encompasses serving in both countries’ governments, private practice and academia. As an officer in Canada’s foreign ministry, he worked toward improving North America’s borders and ports-of-entry and was the Managing Director of the Canada-United States Law Institute, an organization of cross-border corporate executives, in-house counsel, law firms, public policy experts, scholars and the media.

“With its long-standing experience in representing Canadian and U.S. clients across a number of key sectors and practice areas, and having offices throughout my home state of Ohio and in other major markets, Thompson Hine is an ideal platform for my practice,” said Ujczo of his decision to join the firm. “The ability to connect my clients operating on the front lines of global trade here in the heart of the Great Lakes region with the firm’s deep bench and extensive expertise in trade and transportation in Washington, D.C. is a perfect fit. My clients will benefit from having end-to-end solutions for their countless supply chain issues all under one roof.”

Ujczo also assists clients, economic development organizations and governments with cross-border investment and expansion projects, including coordinating legal counsel on matters such as corporate structuring, taxation, immigration, incentives, intellectual property and employment. He serves as outside general counsel to several cross-border companies, has served as a liaison between U.S. and Canadian government officials, and routinely assists companies in dealings with government regulatory agencies.

Active in the professional community, Ujczo is a life member of the Executive Order of the Ohio Commodores, which was established by former Ohio Governor James Rhodes to honor 60 Ohio business leaders who accompanied him on Ohio’s first international trade mission and to which more than 600 individuals have since been appointed to recognize their contributions to economic development in their communities and the state. Ujczo is also a national board member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Canada, president of the Ohio-Canada Business Association and U.S. vice president for North American Strategy for Competitiveness. While based in Columbus, Ujczo is active throughout Ohio as a vice-president of the Henry T. King Jr. Greater Cleveland International Lawyers Group and an advisory committee member for the Ohio-Pennsylvania Stateline Export Initiative.

Ujczo is the fourth senior lawyer to join the Columbus office in the past year. He follows Marc Minor, whose experience includes serving as a securities bureau chief in the New York and New Jersey Attorneys General’s offices, senior counsel at FINRA, and director and enforcement counsel of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange; Eric Miller, former chief legal officer for Nationwide Funds Group, the mutual fund unit of Fortune 100 insurance company Nationwide; and Lindsay Karas Stencel, a leading venture capital lawyer.

Posted January 25, 2021

Source: Thompson Hine LLP

Honeywell Reaches Agreement To Sell Lifestyle And Performance Footwear Business To Rocky Brands

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — January 25, 2021 — Honeywell today announced that it has signed an agreement to sell its performance and lifestyle footwear business to Rocky Brands, a manufacturer of premium footwear and apparel, for approximately $230 million. The deal is scheduled to close by the end of the first quarter of 2021.

Under the agreement, Honeywell will divest five brands it deems non-core to its business: The Original Muck Boot Company, XTRATUF fishing boots and deck shoes, Ranger, NEOS overshoes and Servus protective rubber boots.

“These are well-respected brands beloved by professionals and outdoor enthusiasts for work and play, and we’re proud of our team that has grown this business in recent years,” said John Waldron, president and CEO, Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions. “We’re excited for them to join Rocky Brands, who will continue to accelerate growth by leveraging its significant industry knowledge and expertise.”

Rocky Brands Inc. is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of premium quality footwear and apparel marketed under a portfolio of well recognized brand names including Rocky®, Georgia Boot®, Durango®, Lehigh®, and the licensed brand Michelin®.

“With the acquisition of The Original Muck Boot Company along with XTRATUF, Servus, NEOS and Ranger brands, we will greatly enhance our powerful portfolio of footwear brands and significantly increase our sales and profitability,” said Jason Brooks, president and CEO, Rocky Brands. “We’re acquiring a well-run business with a corporate culture and a customer base similar to ours, which provides meaningful growth opportunities within our existing categories as well as entrée into new market segments. Its innovative and authentic product collections complement our existing offering with minimal overlap, which will allow us to strengthen our wholesale relationships and serve a wider consumer audience. At the same time, we plan to leverage Rocky’s advanced fulfillment capabilities to accelerate these brands’ direct-to-consumer penetration. I am incredibly proud of the success our organization has achieved over the past several years and I am excited to build on our momentum as we begin this exciting new chapter for the company.”

Honeywell will continue to manufacture industrial safety footwear for workers under brands such as Oliver, MTS, Honeywell Bacou and others.

Honeywell is a leading provider of head-to-toe personal protective equipment to help protect workers on the job. The company’s safety offerings include respiratory, hearing, eye and fall protection solutions as well as advanced gas detectors for industrial applications.

There is no impact to Honeywell’s financial guidance as the result of this transaction

Posted January 25, 2021

Source: Honeywell

Canon Solutions America Introduces The Miller Weldmaster Digitran, T3 Extreme And T300 Extreme Edge Sewing And Welding Solutions

MELVILLE, N.Y. — January 25, 2021 — Canon Solutions America Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A. Inc., has announced the addition of the Miller Weldmaster Digitran, T3 Extreme and T300 Extreme Edge sewing and welding solutions to its portfolio. The Miller Weldmaster Digitran is built for both print service providers and inplants looking to efficiently and easily sew and finish digitally printed textiles for Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG), flags, and soft signage graphics. These automated sewing and welding solutions can help to eliminate the need for skilled sewing labor, as well as create a variety of hems and webbings.

Additional features offered by the Miller Weldmaster Digitran, designed to accurately place silicone strips along the edge of graphics, include:

  • Transport system synced with sewing machine for accurate and precise flow of material handling and product finishing;
  • Hands free SEG feeding and cutting;
  • Programmable back stitch configuration and stitch cut for easy operational use;
  • Synchronized needle bar and feed for even stitching;
  • Needle cooling for faster sewing;
  • Multiple seam configuration for almost any type of job;
  • Light aluminum frame for easy mobility around your facility;
  • Easy to use touch controls;
  • Driven roller for large graphics; and
  • Robust Durkopp Adler sewing machine for maximum up time.

The Miller Weldmaster Digitran can be combined with the T3 Extreme or T300 Extreme Edge finishing solutions for complete sewing and welding operations. The T3 Extreme hot wedge welding machine can produce seams for banner, sign, and awning making applications. This compact welding solution is designed to handle 25-100 banners per month, equipped to hem all slides in less than two minutes, and can even create rope hems, pole pockets, webbing, and more. Combining versatility with precision adjustments, the T300 Extreme Edge supports large production, and can finish a 4-foot by 6-foot banner in less than one minute.

Additional features offered by the Miller Weldmaster T3 Extreme include:

  • Simple controls for easy operation;
  • Solid steel frame for years of durability;
  • Tabletop compact size for any small business;
  • Simple wedge adjustments for accurate material placement; and
  • Easy guide change for multiple seam configurations.

Additional featured offered by the Miller Weldmaster T300 Extreme Edge include:

  • Quick- setting recall with touch screen and recipe storage of 25 memory settings;
  • Increased product efficiency with dual arms to configure straight seams;
  • Quick, repeatable, precision- head adjustments;
  • Available in hot air, hot wedge or both for product versatility;
  • Multiple seam configurations with quick, easy guide change; and
  • Can be customized to fit your exact specifications.

“At Canon Solutions America, we are committed to delivering complete end-to-end solutions that help maximize productivity, efficiency and quality for our customers, as well as help them to create new opportunities to expand into new markets and offerings,” said Peter P. Kowalczuk, president, Canon Solutions America, Inc. “We are excited to offer the Miller Weldmaster Digitran, T3 Extreme and T300 Extreme Edge to round out our lineup of products for roll-to-roll dye sublimation and thermoplastic printing applications.”

To learn more about the Miller Weldmaster Digitran, T3 Extreme and T300 Extreme Edge, please visit csa.canon.com.

Posted January 25, 2021

Source: Canon Solutions America Inc.

MSA Safety Acquires U.K. Firefighter Turnout Gear Manufacturer Bristol Uniforms

PITTSBURGH — January 25, 2021 — Global safety equipment manufacturer MSA Safety Incorporated today announced it has acquired England-based Bristol Uniforms in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $60 million. The acquisition strengthens MSA’s position as a global leader in fire service personal protective equipment (PPE) products while providing an avenue to expand its business in the U.K. and key European markets.

Headquartered in Bristol, England, Bristol Uniforms is a leading innovator and provider of protective apparel to the fire and rescue services sector, with annual revenue of approximately $40 million. The company has earned a reputation for providing high quality turnout gear that combines innovative designs with advanced materials. Bristol Uniforms employs nearly 200 people across four U.K-based locations.

“Helping to keep firefighters safe has been a longstanding element of the MSA mission,” said Nish Vartanian, MSA chairman, president and CEO. “The acquisition of Bristol advances that mission as well as our growth strategy to protect firefighters from head to toe with the very best in safety technology,” he said.

Mr. Vartanian said the transaction builds on the success MSA has had in improving the overall performance of its International business segment. “Our entire International team, and particularly our associates in Europe, have done a terrific job over the past three years building a more agile, efficient and growth-focused organization. Today’s acquisition reflects the confidence we have in our team’s ability to quickly integrate Bristol into the MSA portfolio. It also recognizes the progress our team in Europe has made in executing MSA’s overall vision for growth,” he said.

MSA senior vice president and CFO Ken Krause, who leads the company’s corporate development activities, commented that the acquisition comes at an exciting time for MSA and its fire service business. “The fire service is a strategic market for us that has performed well through a broad range of economic cycles, including the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.  “Bringing Bristol under the MSA umbrella builds on our 2017 acquisition of U.S. turnout gear leader Globe, while adding another defensive element to our portfolio and providing us with an opportunity to expand MSA’s addressable market in the International segment.  With MSA’s global reach and Bristol’s strong brand equity, we’re confident in our ability to reach key geographic markets and make the Bristol brand even more successful.”

Krause added that the acquisition aligns with the company’s disciplined approach for capital deployment. He also noted that Bristol is expected to hurdle MSA’s cost of capital by year three. Excluding acquisition-related amortization, the company is planning for adjusted earnings accretion of $0.03-$0.05 per share in the first twelve months of ownership.

Bristol Uniforms is also a leading manufacturer of flame-retardant, waterproof and other protective workwear for the utility industry. Marketed under the Bell Apparel brand, this line complements MSA’s existing and broad range of offerings for the global utilities market.

Bristol Deputy Chairman Ian Mitchell commented, “We see today’s acquisition as a great fit for both our organizations.  From a product synergy perspective, Bristol Uniforms aligns with MSA’s existing portfolio, enhances our reach into the global turnout gear market, and it gives us new opportunities to serve our customer base with a broader range of head-to-toe firefighter protection.”  Mr. Mitchell added, “Culturally, MSA and Bristol are very well-aligned, and we are excited about today’s news as we see this acquisition as a great match for both Bristol and for MSA.”

The fire service equipment brands of MSA, which include Gallet Firefighter Helmets, the M1 and G1 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus range, Cairns Helmets, Globe Manufacturing, and now Bristol Uniforms, represent more than 460 combined years of innovation in the fire service industry, with one common mission: protecting the health and safety of firefighters.

Posted January 25, 2021

Source: MSA Safety Incorporated

Stockwell Elastomerics Announces Thomas S. Rimel, Jr. Has Joined The Company As President

Thomas S. Rimel Jr.

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — January 25, 2021 — Stockwell Elastomerics Inc. announces today that Thomas S. Rimel Jr. has joined the company as its new president. The announcement was made by company Chairman Bill Stockwell. Rimel is the first executive outside of the 4th generation Stockwell family to lead the business since it was founded in 1919.

Stockwell said: “With the addition of Tom Rimel to our leadership team, we move into the next phase of our mission to become America’s leading provider of highly innovative gasketing, cushioning and sealing solutions to protect sensitive technology in extreme environments. Tom brings the expertise and experience that Stockwell Elastomerics needs to grow and succeed. I have every confidence he will lead the company well.”

Rimel was previously the president of Dunmore Corp., a well-established provider of engineered films, foils, fabrics and adhesive products for technical applications. During his 25 year tenure with Dunmore, Rimel played an integral role in the strategy and execution of sales growth in new markets, manufacturing improvements, and strategic acquisitions. He held a number of positions including Chief Operating Officer, Business Development Manager, Plant Manager and Process Engineering Manager.

Rimel holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maryland, and later earned an M.B.A. from LaSalle University in Philadelphia, Pa. His career began working in various technical and business positions with companies such as DuPont, International Paper and Adhesives Research Inc.

Over the past four years, Stockwell Elastomerics has become an ESOP (employee stock ownership plan) company, built a third building to expand capacity on its northeast Philadelphia campus, and celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Stockwell added: “My goal has been for Stockwell Elastomerics to remain durable and independent, growing its business with strategic customers in our key markets and setting a standard for excellence in our industry. Keeping our business in Philadelphia, while building a high performance culture with our diverse mix of tenured and newer employees, has become a special passion in recent years  of service to our mission. We are fortunate to have Tom join our company and lead us to greater heights of business excellence.”

Posted January 25, 2021

Source: Stockwell Elastomerics Inc.

NCTO Issues Statement On President Biden’s “Made In America” Executive Order And Launches Video Campaign In Support Of Strengthening American Manufacturing

WASHINGTON — January 25, 2021 — National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas issued a statement today on the White House announcement that President Biden will sign an executive order today, “ensuring the future of America is Made in America by all of America’s workers.”  Further, NCTO launched a new industry video campaign today that outlines steps the Biden administration and Congress must take to re-shore the production of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the entire supply chain for critical products. The video can be found here: http://www.ncto.org/make-american-ppe/

National Council of Textile Organizations President and CEO Kim Glas said:

“We commend President Biden for taking action in his first days in office to strengthen our domestic supply chain and manufacturing base with a “Made in America” executive order directing the federal government to spend taxpayer dollars on American-made goods produced by American workers using American-made components.

Increasing the domestic procurement threshold and the price preferences for domestic goods under the current Buy American law will bolster domestic production and stimulate more investment in U.S. manufacturing.

We believe it is critical that taxpayer dollars are used to invest in American manufacturing and our workforce.  It is essential that we close loopholes in our Buy America laws, expand application and product coverage of domestic content rules, and close unnecessary contract waivers that undermine American manufacturing and its workforce.

We look forward to working with the Biden administration and Congress on immediately strengthening our domestic procurement laws.  The COVID-19 crisis was exacerbated when foreign supply chains broke down leaving our frontline workers vulnerable, underscoring the vital need for America to manufacture essential medical products at home.  We look forward to working with the Biden administration on implementing this Executive Order, and with members of Congress to push critical bipartisan legislation to help ensure this onshoring effort is fully realized.

We also sincerely thank Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Representative Kathy Manning (D-NC) for their leadership in sending a recent letter to President Biden, requesting the president prioritize “Made in America” personal protective equipment (PPE) purchases and outlining key steps the administration can take to produce and procure quality American-made PPE for frontline workers.”

Posted January 25, 2021

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

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