Defying the Odds. Setting Records.

The NAM once again defied the odds in 2018, delivering historic wins for manufacturers. While others said it was impossible to get results in a tumultuous election year, the NAM did what manufacturers do best: bring people together. We achieved important bipartisan wins in Congress, in addition to our work with the administration to secure regulatory relief as well as our successful fights in the courts to protect manufacturers’ competitiveness.

It was also a record-setting year, as our members reported the highest levels of optimism in the 20-year history of our Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey. And it’s no surprise. After all, for manufacturers, it was a year of creating jobs, investing in companies and communities and raising wages and benefits. Manufacturers demonstrated that we are keeping our promise to deliver for our people with the tools we’ve been given, and we will continue to do so in 2019.

Meanwhile, the NAM is keeping the commitment we made to our members, the promise laid out in our “2020 Vision”: to be the “one-stop shop” for manufacturers and deliver enhanced programming in advocacy, workforce development, legal action and operational excellence.

Our advocacy wins, outlined in this report, were possible because the NAM has cultivated relationships of trust and respect across the political spectrum. Not only are we recognized as a powerhouse in Washington, D.C., but we have also expanded our presence in key manufacturing states as we built out our regional public affairs operation.

Through The Manufacturing Institute, our workforce development leadership is yielding results and addressing the workforce crisis. After a successful inaugural year, Heroes MAKE America is growing rapidly, while initiatives like STEP Ahead, Manufacturing Day and Creators Wanted are inspiring a new generation of manufacturing talent.

In the courts, the Manufacturers’ Center for Legal Action racked up wins, including major victories at the U.S. Supreme Court, that will protect manufacturers from overreaching regulations from the past administration and from frivolous litigation from trial attorneys.

With the landmark integration of the Manufacturing Leadership Council, the NAM’s portfolio of operational excellence programming has grown even stronger. From co‑branded events and webinars on the latest in manufacturing technology to new ways to help you save money, the NAM is enhancing our offerings that help your business thrive in a disruptive environment.

In 2018, the NAM set new membership records, demonstrating that manufacturers greatly appreciate our comprehensive value proposition, along with the tailored, personalized approach we take toward our members’ needs and concerns. You can be confident in your investment in your NAM, and our best-in-class team in Washington, D.C., and across the country is always at the ready to support you in any way we can.

This annual report captures why 2018 was a history-making year for manufacturers—and why we can confidently face the future. The association is positioned like no other for the new political and economic realities. Your NAM is trusted, respected and prepared to secure more wins to improve the lives of the men and women who make things in America.

Jay Timmons
NAM President and CEO

Advocating for Progress

“There are a lot of people in this political moment that are searching to understand how the system is working or not working and what’s going on…and that probably has made [the NAM] more relevant to people than they might have been before.”

– Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO)

Fighting for Justice

The NAM’s legal team is stronger, more knowledgeable and more comprehensive than anything I have seen at any other organization. They have stood with us by filing an amicus brief in the D.C. Circuit to help us overcome an 18-year-long legal nightmare. They have helped us comply with new and old regulations and have given us access to top-tier attorneys. They have unflinchingly demonstrated that they are committed to my company’s success.”

– William Bucknam,

Vice President and General Counsel, MWI Corporation

Advancing our Workforce

The greatest challenge we have is finding the right workers. We need a cultural shift in this country so more people, including young Americans, veterans and women, aspire to careers in our industry. The NAM and The Manufacturing Institute understand this and are doing everything they can to be the industry’s workforce solution and lead a movement to drive people toward careers in modern manufacturing.”

– Richard Haas

President and CEO, Mahindra Automotive North America

Read the Entire NAM 2018 Annual Report

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