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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                             Contact: Matt Braud
October 24, 2006                                                                                      202-482-3447

Top U.S. Manufacturing Official To Tour Faribault Facility During Manufacturing Week

Tour will include a discussion with company employees to discuss current manufacturing issues

Faribault, MN - U.S. Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary Al Frink will visit and meet with employees at Faribault Mills. During this visit, the Assistant Secretary will discuss the state of manufacturing and how Minnesota manufacturers can compete in today’s global economy.

Frink serves as the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Assistant Secretary for the Office of Manufacturing and Services, or MAS. He will give the company’s workforce an update on the achievements, policies, and priorities of MAS since its establishment in 2004.

MAS is responsible for promoting and strengthening competitiveness for America’s manufacturing and service industries. The office does this by conducting economic and trade policy analysis, shaping U.S. trade policy, participating in trade negotiations, and evaluating the impact of regulatory policies on U.S. manufacturers and service industries. MAS also works with other U.S. Government agencies in developing an environment that advances U.S. competitiveness at home and abroad.

WHO:	U.S. Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary Al Frink
WHAT:	Tour and discussion on manufacturing in the global economy
WHEN:	Wednesday, October 25, 2006 11: 00 a.m.   Plant Tour 12: 30 p.m.   Lunch and meeting with Faribault employees   1: 45 p.m.   Media Availability
WHERE:	Faribault Mills Headquarters 1500 Second Avenue NW Faribault, MN 55021 (800) 533-0444

Background on Faribault Mills: In 1865, Faribault Woolen Mills Company was founded in the community of Faribault, Minnesota. Today, the company has flourished for 135 years as one of America's largest and finest manufacturers of fine woolen blankets and throws. Faribault also produces its products in Maine and South Carolina, while still being 100% made in America.

 

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