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House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) toured Allied Photochemical’s Macomb, Michigan, facility this month, spotlighting the critical intersection of policy and innovation in American manufacturing.

The big picture: The visit comes on the heels of Congress’ passage of a pro-growth tax package that will spur investment and job creation among manufacturers across the country, especially small and medium-sized firms. Chairwoman McClain, a key leader of that successful legislative push, met with employees and leadership at Allied to hear firsthand how the legislation is helping manufacturers plan for the future.

• “These are the kinds of companies we had in mind when we passed this tax bill,” said Chairwoman McClain. “Allied is innovating, growing and hiring—and Washington needs to provide the certainty and support that allow manufacturers like this to keep investing in Michigan and across America.”

The company: Allied Photochemical, which employs 27 people, is a technology-driven manufacturer specializing in advanced ultraviolet cured coatings used in industries ranging from automotive and electronics to industrial tubing and packaging.

• Allied’s products are formulated to reduce or eliminate volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants, providing customers with cleaner, faster-curing and more resilient coatings.

New growth: Allied is already creating jobs, having recently hired two new salespeople and now preparing to add a new production role. With continued investment in equipment and personnel, the company is expanding its role as a key supplier for manufacturers that demand precision, performance and sustainability in their production processes.

• During the visit, Allied’s leaders underscored how pro-growth tax policies—including the restoration of full R&D expensing and enhanced capital investment incentives—are providing the company with the confidence to pursue long-term innovation strategies and expansion plans.

Challenges remain: Despite its growth, Allied’s leaders raised concerns about a regulatory landscape that is increasingly slowing down innovation. During her visit, Chairwoman McClain heard how multiyear delays in securing Environmental Protection Agency approval for new chemical formulations have become a major barrier—not just for Allied, but for the entire ecosystem of domestic chemical suppliers.

• “Manufacturers need a clear and predictable regulatory pathway to bring new technologies to market,” said Allied President Dan Sweetwood. “Instead, we’re encountering delays and rising compliance costs that hinder growth and discourage investment.”
• Sweetwood emphasized that Allied’s international competitors sometimes receive faster regulatory approvals—even in regions historically known for slower bureaucratic processes. The trend, he said, is discouraging suppliers from developing next-generation chemistries in the U.S., shifting innovation overseas.

McClain responds: Chairwoman McClain reaffirmed her commitment to advancing a policy environment that supports domestic manufacturing and eliminates unnecessary barriers. “We can’t expect American companies to compete globally if Washington is holding them back at home,” she said.

The bottom line: NAM Managing Vice President of Policy Charles Crain summed it up: “Tax reform has been rocket fuel for manufacturers, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. We need a regulatory system that keeps pace with innovation, and trade policies that recognize the realities manufacturers face on the ground. Allied Photochemical’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible when policy and potential align.”