Congressional Facility Tours
AWPA members are encouraged to host Congressional representatives at their facilities, as a key industry advocacy initiative. If your company is interested in hosting a member at your facility, please contact the AWPA for an invitation template as well as “Tips for Tours”.
Senator Boozman Tours Bekaert’s Van Buren Facility
“Bekaert was very thankful to recently host Senator John Boozman at our production facility in Van Buren, AR. Senator Boozman toured the facility and was able to see how Arkansas is supporting domestic steel wire production for the agricultural, utility, and highway safety industries. Senator Boozman was very attentive to the opportunities and challenges that come with U.S. steel processing. We look forward to welcoming Senator Boozman again in the future.”
— Bryan Sullivan, Vice President – Steel Wire Solutions, North America
Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR) Visits Bekaert’s Van Buren Wire Facility
“It was a good meeting. We spoke with Rep. Womack about our product portfolio, investment plans, job creation, charitable works and economic impact on the area through Bekaert’s Van Buren plant. We also discussed a few topics that were important for his constituents; BABA requirements for federally funded infrastructure projects, American manufacturing resilience, import statistics and tariff structures to name a few.”
— Bryan Sullivan, Vice President – Steel Wire Solutions, North America
Leggett & Platt Host the Department of Commerce at an Original Spring Plant
Leggett & Platt was pleased to host the Department of Commerce at one of their original innerspring plants in Winchester, Kentucky in September 2022. From showing off state-of-the-art coiling equipment to interacting with multi-generational, lifelong employees to hearing about the hurdles faced by American manufacturers competing on a global playing field, the Department got a firsthand look at our continuing commitment to innovation, quality, and supporting the communities where we live and work.
M&B Hangers Host U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL) at Leeds, AL Facility
“We are grateful for the opportunity to show him our most recent equipment upgrades that follow our unbending commitment to our customers and industry since 1943.”
— John T. Thomas III
Mid-South Wire Host Commerce Department in Nashville
AWPA member company Mid-South Wire (Nashville, TN) recently hosted several key members of the Commerce Department, including Lisa Wang, Assistant Secretary for Enforcement & Compliance. They did a full tour of the facilities and had a lengthy discussion period to talk about specific trade issues that affect their business.
“It was refreshing to have Washington staffers come out and see an operation so that they could visualize it and better understand it. We feel like it was very beneficial for them as well as for us.”
— John T. Johnson, President of Mid-South Wire
Sumiden Wire Products Corporation Host Assistant Secretary Lisa Wang and Department of Commerce Staff
“I am certain Commerce personnel found it valuable to see the range of wire sizes and products and the contribution of each process to the cost structure of those products. Our plant tour and production presentations were an exceptional education opportunity for Commerce staff. They were highly engaged and inquisitive throughout the entire process.”
— Brian Burr, President, Sumiden Wire Products Corporation
The team from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Enforcement and Compliance bureau, were enthusiastic regarding our newly updated and detailed SEMA data. We shared our analysis of the data and made some recommendations regarding compliance issues and our comments were positively welcomed by the staff.
