EVANS DISCUSSES PROGRESS TO STRENGTHEN
U.S. MANUFACTURING

SEPTEMBER 21- PITTSBURGH, PA-- U.S. Secretary of Commerce Donald L. Evans and Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services Al Frink met with the Bush Administration’s Manufacturing Council today in Pittsburgh to discuss progress in strengthening the U.S. manufacturing sector and continued efforts to ensure U.S. manufacturers have the tools they need to compete and succeed worldwide.

In June, Evans announced the members of the Manufacturing Council which consists of manufacturing leaders from across the industry that work with the Commerce Department to serve as a strong voice in developing policies to grow manufacturing jobs.

"...Things are beginning to turn the corner and we’re seeing some strong economic gains in this industry.

The U.S. is still by far the world’s largest manufacturer. Factory activity has been heating up this year. Manufacturers have added 107,000 workers since January.

The level of manufacturing orders recently hit its highest level in 20 years. Even standing alone, the U.S. manufacturing sector would still be the 5th largest economy."