NEWINGTON, N.H. – Following tours of manufacturing companies in Maine and New Hampshire, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) declared today that the best days are ahead for New England’s manufacturing industry. Senators King and Ayotte, who frequently work together in of support Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY), today toured Pratt & Whitney’s facility in North Berwick, Maine, which specializes in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units, and Wilcox Industries in Newington, New Hampshire, a manufacturing company that makes products that protect U.S. service members. During the tours, the Senators met with business leaders and workers at both facilities.

“Thanks to the hard-work, vision, and innovative efforts of people across Maine, New Hampshire, and other New England states, our region’s manufacturing industry is on the rise once again, putting people to work in good paying jobs and building high-quality products that are used across the world,” the Senators said. “That’s what we saw today at Pratt & Whitney and Wilcox Industries, both of which have recognized that innovation is central to their success. With forward-thinking companies like these as examples, manufacturing in New England certainly has a bright future, and we look forward to working together in Congress to strengthen our country’s manufacturing base by ensuring that people have the skills and tools necessary to succeed in these jobs of the future.”

Senators King and Ayotte have supported policies to help strengthen American manufacturing and jumpstart innovation that will lead to growth and create steady, good-paying jobs. They both cosponsored the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2014, which the President signed into law in December of 2014 to establish a network of industry-led manufacturing institutes to help bridge the gap between research and development and improve access to cutting-edge equipment and capabilities.

Senators King and Ayotte are also strong proponents of STEM education. Senator King recently helped launch a program in Downeast Maine that connects students to STEM learning opportunities and mentors in their communities, and Senator Ayotte helped introduce the Manufacturing Skills Act of 2015 that would provide $100 million in competitive, federal grants to states to boost STEM training in the workplace.

The New England Council is a non-partisan alliance of businesses, academic and health institutions, and public and private organizations throughout New England that was formed to promote economic growth and a high quality of life in the New England region.

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