US Trade Associations Send Open Letter to Manufacturers Addressing Coronavirus

In an open letter to CEOs, the American Mold Builders Association (AMBA), the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA), the Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA), the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) and the Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) address manufacturers feeling the impact of efforts worldwide to respond to the coronavirus. The letter states that the associations’ member companies “stand ready to assist those industries who are facing global supply chain disruptions to help the economy continue its record growth.” The trade associations represent more than 3,500 companies in industries that employ more than 475,000 Americans.

Below is the full text of the letter.

An Open Letter to CEOs

American Manufacturers are Ready to Help Companies Cope with Supply Chain Disruptions

We, the undersigned trade associations, collectively represent over 475,000 American employees working at 3,500 manufacturing plants across the United States. Our member companies stand ready to assist those industries who are facing global supply chain disruptions to help the economy continue its record growth. Companies need to look no further for suppliers than right here in the U.S. We have the capacity and the expertise to get the work done at our facilities across the country.

The threats posed by uncertainty and disruption to global supply chains are real and not limited to the current headlines. The spread of COVID-19 (“coronavirus”) is already impacting the U.S. manufacturing sector. Recent reports from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) show that many industry sectors from electronics to chemicals are feeling the impacts of the virus. Additionally, reports from around the world show slowing in factories in China, Japan and South Korea, among others and expected transportation and logistical delays.

This is not just about the current virus and temporary disruptions; it is about reliable supply chains in any circumstance.

American companies who source inputs and equipment from across the globe can minimize disruption to their businesses by looking to domestic suppliers. Near sourcing and reshoring business to the U.S. will not only help minimize current impacts, but will also mitigate future exposure to global challenges all while tapping into America’s vast and innovative industrial base and supporting American workers.

The American companies who make up our trade associations indicate a capacity utilization rate of 60-70% — meaning our manufacturers can meet current and future demand, helping companies grow and thrive.

Our members are business leaders. They know that companies must constantly weigh the costs of manufacturing in America against importing from overseas. But today, the short-term lower pricing that tempted some companies to source their parts from overseas is outmatched by growing supply chain complications. There simply is no substitute for the high-quality and reliable delivery that our member companies can offer. You cannot manufacture a part or finished product if you cannot source your inputs and equipment on time.

To find appropriate U.S. sourcing options, links to each of our associations’ websites are appended to this letter. With this comes our full commitment to support any company seeking to connect with a U.S.-based manufacturer.

Throughout history, American manufacturers have answered the call to find solutions, support progress and step up in times of crisis. Our U.S. manufacturers and workers are ready to minimize operational disruptions and help produce a quality, reliable products ready to ship to any location, foreign or domestic.

Sincerely,