Motorcycle Tour Day 2: Peters Stops in Escanaba to Talk Manufacturing

ESCANABA, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today visited Engineered Machined Products’ (EMP) manufacturing products facilities in Escanaba on the second day of his fourth annual motorcycle tour across Michigan. While there, Peters highlighted the importance of keeping Michigan at the forefront of manufacturing and his proposal to make manufacturing policy a greater national focus.

“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. That’s why I’ve proposed a National Institute of Manufacturing to unite federal efforts under one roof and better respond to evolving national needs.”

“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.”

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Inspired by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Peters’ proposal would streamline federal manufacturing programs, create a Chief Manufacturing Officer, promote efforts to help our workforce close the skills gap and establish the National Institute of Manufacturing to serve as the focal point for developing a national manufacturing strategy to rapidly respond to changes in the global marketplace.

Throughout the motorcycle tour, Peters will be highlighting issues important to Michigan, including closing the skills gap and expanding apprenticeships, supporting veterans, preserving the Great Lakes as an economic engine and major source of drinking water, and strengthening our national defense and border security. Tomorrow, Peters will head to Marquette County for the third day of his motorcycle tour. He will additionally be making stops in Traverse City, Grand Rapids and Grand Ledge.

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