Energy

2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour Makes Final Stop in Phoenix, Arizona 

PHOENIX – The National Association of Manufacturers, official partner of America250, concluded its 2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour in Phoenix under the theme “Building for the Future.”  

After 10 days on a cross-country tour, manufacturing leaders delivered a final, urgent message: the time is now for Congress to pass robust infrastructure investments and commonsense, comprehensive permitting reform. 

“Arizona shows what happens when competitiveness leads,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “It didn’t happen by chance—it happened because this state has chosen to lead on taxes, workforce and a business climate. But even here, federal permitting delays threaten progress. If we’re serious about semiconductors, critical minerals and energy infrastructure, it’s time to build the next generation of robust infrastructure we need, and 2026 must be the year of permitting reform.” 

In Phoenix, the NAM partnered with the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry for a full day of events highlighting the state’s leadership in industrial growth. The visit began with a roundtable discussion on permitting reform with business and community leaders, followed by tours of EMD Electronics—a trusted partner to the semiconductor industry—and Four Peaks Brewery, the largest and oldest craft brewery in Arizona. Together, the stops showcased the diverse reach of manufacturing in the state— from critical minerals and semiconductors to food and beverage production.  

“Arizona has proven that smart policy and regulatory clarity drive investment and growth. But at the federal level, permitting delays are slowing projects that matter to our economy and national security,” said Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden. “If America wants to lead in advanced manufacturing, we need a system that is predictable, efficient, and built for today’s demands. We’re proud to partner with the NAM to advance practical reforms that strengthen U.S. competitiveness.” 

 “Arizona has become a premier destination for semiconductor manufacturing, and we’re proud to be part of that dynamic and growing ecosystem,” said Katherine Dei Cas, Executive Vice President, EMD Electronics, the Electronics business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. “We continue to invest in our capabilities and our people while ensuring continued proximity to customers to enable the operational excellence required in advanced manufacturing. Strong collaboration among industry, community, and government partners is essential to sustaining this momentum and ensuring semiconductor innovation.” 

Spanning seven states—New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Texas and Arizona—, the tour brought together manufacturing leaders, workers, educators, students and elected officials to highlight the policies and conditions needed for the United States to compete and win in a global economy, —focusing on innovation, tax policy, permitting reform, energy dominance, workforce and trade policy.  

-NAM- 

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.953 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.