Commerce Department Undertakes Industry Study of High Precision Machine Tools

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has initiated a systematic industry study of the U.S. 5-axis simultaneous control machine tool industry.  These high precision tools, which include mills, grinders, mill/turns, and machining centers, are used extensively in the aerospace, automotive, and shipbuilding industries, and have important national security dimensions.   

“Assessing this critical industry and ensuring that U.S. export controls are up to date has important ramifications for our economic competitiveness and national security capabilities in high precision manufacturing,” said Under Secretary of Commerce Mancuso.  “A vibrant U.S. machine tool industry is critical for our long-term national security interests.” 

The BIS survey aims to evaluate the health and competitiveness of the 5-axis machine tool industrial base, and to account for the impacts of export control practices and foreign availability on the industry.  It also will examine the capabilities of U.S. and foreign manufacturers to reliably meet U.S. national security needs.

The 400 survey participants include U.S. producers and distributors as well as U.S. Government and commercial end-users.  BIS plans to report on the findings by the fall of 2008.

U.S. Government partners in this effort include the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Industrial Policy), the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology and International Trade Administration, and the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration.

BACKGROUND

BIS has authority under the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended, to assess the financial health and economic competitiveness of U.S. industries that support defense capabilities and requirements.

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