Hultgren Promotes Innovative Food Flavoring and Forklift Manufacturers in 14th District

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) this week visited 14th District manufacturers who are on the front lines of innovation and demonstrate the large potential for a manufacturing resurgence in Illinois. Rep. Hultgren met with executives and staff at Synergy Flavors in Wauconda, which specializes in flavoring foods from coffee to pie gravy, as well as UniCarriers Americas Corporation in Marengo which manufactures a complete line of forklifts including the Nissan Forklift.

“Every time I visit one of the many flourishing manufacturers in the 14th District, I am amazed by the innovation and expansion that’s taking place right here in Illinois. We must continue to support our manufacturers and their ability to expand and hire more workers through smart legislation and regional initiatives,” said Rep. Hultgren. “The worst thing we can do right now is pass more inefficient, ineffective and duplicative regulations and taxes that hurt Illinois businesses and job growth.”

Congressman Hultgren has supported several initiatives and legislation to benefit Illinois manufacturers:

• American Renaissance in Manufacturing (ARM) Act, H.R. 5360, a wide-ranging legislative package which levels the playing field for American manufacturers who engage in the global marketplace, including reducing frivolous lawsuits, reigning in red tape, and opening up energy exploration to lower transportation costs. Rep. Hultgren cosponsored the bill.
• America's Small Business Tax Relief Act, H.R. 4457, allows businesses to deduct expenses such as investing in new equipment. Rep. Hultgren supported House passage.
• Modernizing American Manufacturing Bonds Act (MAMBA) of 2014, H.R. 5319, updates the three decades-old rules governing manufacturing bonds to help manufacturers expand, invest in new equipment and hire more workers. Rep. Hultgren introduced the bill.
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act or SKILLS Act, H.R. 803, reforms federal workforce development services and help workers acquire the skills and education they need to succeed in today’s economy. Rep. Hultgren supported House passage.
• The Chicago-based Digital Lab for Manufacturing (Digital Lab) is an applied research institute will both develop and demonstrate digital manufacturing technologies and deploy and commercialize these technologies across key manufacturing industries in Illinois and around the country. Rep. Hultgren joined the Illinois delegation in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel in support of the federal grant.

(At Synergy Flavors, Rep. Hultgren samples a new papaya flavor destined for the Brazilian marketplace)

(Rep Hultgren test drives a recently assembled forklift at UniCarriers)

(Rep. Hultgren talks about skills and workforce training with employees at UniCarriers Americas Corporation)

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