WNMU Public Radio 90: Senator stops in Escanaba as part of Michigan tour

ESCANABA, MI--   U.S. Senator Gary Peters is making his way around the U.P. this week as part of his fourth annual motorcycle tour across Michigan. 

“EMP is proud to be based in Escanaba and expanding our capabilities into different sectors of the economy,” said Paul Harvey, Vice President, EMP. “We were glad to have Senator Peters stop by and talk about how we can help make sure the future of manufacturing can be in the best position possible for long-term success.”

Peters says he wants to create a National Institute of Manufacturing to streamline federal manufacturing programs, close the skills gap, and develop a strategy to rapidly respond to changes in the global marketplace.

“In order to compete globally, we need a national manufacturing agenda that can make sure companies like EMP can focus on doing what they do best: making things,” said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. “Countries like China and South Korea are investing heavily in manufacturing – if we want to continue being a global leader, we need a more coordinated approach and more accountability.”

Peters will stop in Ishpeming Wednesday before heading downstate to Traverse City and Grand Rapids. He says doing the annual tour helps him shape his policies in Washington.