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Rep. Addison McDowell (R-NC) recently toured Ketchie Inc. in Concord, North Carolina, to see how the 2025 tax bill—passed by Congress and signed into law this year, making key pro-growth tax provisions permanent—is providing long-term certainty for small manufacturers. With that clarity, Ketchie has moved ahead with new equipment investments and capacity expansion.

The company: Founded in 1947, Ketchie is an AS9100D-certified precision-machine shop serving aerospace, rail, agriculture and heavy equipment customers. President and Owner and NAM Executive Committee member Courtney Silver showcased the shop’s newest machine purchase—an upgrade green-lit because permanent tax rules improved cash flow and planning certainty.

“We’re grateful to Rep. McDowell for voting to make these pro-growth tax provisions permanent,” Silver said. “That certainty let us move forward with a major equipment investment that boosts productivity, creates jobs and expands our ability to serve more customers from right here in North Carolina.”

Tax policy at work: The conversation centered on how permanence in the tax code is unlocking long-term capital plans for small and medium-sized manufacturers, including:

• Full expensing for capital purchases;
• Immediate expensing for R&D;
• EBITDA restored as the standard for interest deductibility; and
• A 20% pass-through deduction (Section 199A).

“Ketchie is a beacon in our Concord community. Through their leadership, we see how predictable, pro-growth tax policies keep Americans working and keep manufacturing strong and competitive,” Rep. McDowell said. “When government gets out of the way and lets the private sector lead, that’s exactly what they do. In North Carolina, we’re seeing businesses regain the confidence to reinvest in our state.”

Workforce and talent pipeline: Alongside capital upgrades, the conversation highlighted Ketchie’s high school internship and technical college partnerships that build skills-based pathways into machining roles. Silver said these programs align with the new equipment—ensuring machinists are ready on day one—and Rep. McDowell signaled a commitment to stay engaged on efforts to grow the local manufacturing talent pool.

The NAM says: “Ketchie’s new equipment is proof that certainty drives investment,” said NAM Managing Vice President of Policy Charles Crain. “We appreciate Rep. McDowell’s vote for the tax bill and his engagement with North Carolina manufacturers. This is how sound policy becomes new machines, more jobs and stronger communities.”