Creating a National Manufacturing Strategy
- 7/14/2011
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Creating a National Manufacturing Strategy We must renew our focus on “Making it in America,” and support small, medium and new businesses so they can drive innovation and job growth in our country. We can innovate our way out of the decline in our manufacturing base, but we need a national policy to support industry and manufacturing. Last month Congressman Steny Hoyer and I joined the Regional Manufacturing Institute in a roundtable discussion where we heard from business owners directly about the challenges they face. Some businesses are having trouble finding workers with the skills they need. Others find that lucrative government contracts are hard to come by, and are accompanied by red-tape that ultimately makes them less desirable. Some expressed concerns about competing in foreign markets. To overcome these challenges, we need a strong national vision for manufacturing policy. In Congress, I have worked to pass the National Manufacturing Strategy Act (H.R. 1366), which calls for a strategic analysis of the manufacturing sector including the international and economic environment, related technological developments, workforce elements, the impact of governmental policies, and other relevant issues affecting domestic manufacturers. It would create the Manufacturing Strategy Task Force and the Manufacturing Strategy Board to make recommendations on strategy. Leveraging our Resources By linking scientists and researchers with entrepreneurs and investors, Maryland can be a national leader in the commercialization of research and the transfer of technology out of federal and university labs and into local businesses. As a part of my tour, I visited two sites that are working to move innovative technology to market and a global company with local roots that has achieved tremendous commercial success. The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) is a public-private partnership that supports technology innovation through its Incubator Development Fund, and by connecting entrepreneurs with scientists and lab facilities. It also provides critical funding through the Joint Technology Transfer Initiative. The bwtech@UMBC Research & Technology Park provides affordable office and laboratory space and business support services to companies just starting out in technology and bioscience innovation. The Incubator and Accelerator program includes 30 early-stage companies, and offers them a partnership with UMBC, including access to faculty expertise, graduate students, and scientific equipment.
Headquartered in Columbia, Martek Biosciences is a model for how government resources can seed innovation, business development and job creation. Martek took an innovative idea—using algae to grow enzymes that promote brain development— and developed it into a commercial product with global reach. Over 55 million babies worldwide have now had infant formulas that include Martek’s nutritional ingredients and over 99% of infant formula in the United States contains Martek’s products. Martek was able to bring this American-made product to market through funding from the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. E-Structors: An Innovative and Green Business One of the greatest opportunities we have as we rebuild our economy is to enhance it with green jobs. Here in Maryland, a company called E-Structors is setting the standard for reprocessing and remanufacturing discarded electronic devices. Over the seven years they’ve been in business, E-Structors has remained competitive through an innovative business model that makes manufacturing in America profitable. In the past four years they created 106 new, green jobs in Elkridge, with more growth expected in years to come.  Recycling electronic waste is one way to boost high tech manufacturing right here in America. It allows us to reduce our dependence on raw materials imported from foreign sources, protect our environment and keep our communities healthy. So last month, I introduced the Electronic Device Recycling Research and Development Act (H.R. 2396). This legislation funds research grants to improve e-waste recycling methods, reducing toxic landfill waste, and allow American manufacturers to become less dependent on foreign suppliers of mineral resources and other materials needed for electronic manufacturing. Congressman Sarbanes is pictured with E-Structors Co-Founder Michael Keough. Under Armour: A Global Leader and a Local Success Story Under Armour’s headquarters is situated in the heart of Baltimore’s manufacturing district. It’s a company that is known for its use of innovative materials, technology and processes in the development and manufacture of athletic apparel, and has emerged as an industry leader. The company was started by a University of Maryland football alum who saw an opportunity to develop something better for athletes in training. It’s a story of American innovation that started small and has gone global.  I talked with them about the challenges they face, and the decisions they’ve made over the years to remain competitive. Here in Baltimore they created 300 jobs last year and their total workforce in Maryland is just over 2,000 employees. They focus on finding solutions to known problems in their field, and they see competition as an inspiration. Congressman Sarbanes is pictured with Executive Vice President of Business Development Scott Plank. |
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