Peters backs manufacturing bill

WASHINGTON — Upper Michigan manufacturers could soon see a boost in support if a nationwide program receives additional funding in a bill recently introduced in the U.S. Senate.

The ‘Manufacturing Extension Partnership Improvement Act’ would expand the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which provides a number of different resources to manufacturers across the country.

Michigan Senator Gary Peters is one of the senators co–sponsoring the bi–partisan legislation. He says the bill would increase funding for the program and help manufacturers here in Michigan and the U.S. compete in the global economy.

“It’s difficult if you’re a smaller or medium sized manufacturer to have access to some of this highly technical training, some of the human resources, or the host of other things available, so it’s nice to be able to tap into that,” said Peters.

“I’m a firm believer that if we don’t help our small to medium sized businesses, we are simply not going to have the economic growth necessary to propel Michigan forward and to develop the UP,” he added.

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership has been around since 1988. The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center currently helps more than 470 manufacturers in the state, including Blackrocks Brewery and RTI Surgical in Marquette.