AUBURN, ME – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today visited Auburn Manufacturing Inc. (AMI) with Vice Chair of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) Judith Pryor to highlight the importance of empowering small U.S. and Maine businesses to pursue overseas markets. During the visit, AMI President Kathie Leonard gave Senator King and Vice Chair Pryor an overview of the work being done at AMI and a tour of their Auburn facilities to see first-hand how they make advanced, heat-resistant textiles. The visit came shortly after EXIM launched its Make More in America Initiative to help American businesses expand their capacity to reach new international customers. 

“International markets provide businesses across our state the chance to reach new customers, grow their sales, and create more good-paying jobs – they’re a critical part of Maine’s economy,” said Senator King. “It was great to join EXIM Vice Chair Pryor today on a tour of Auburn Manufacturing Inc. to learn more about how overseas sales impact their business and how Congress and the Biden administration can continue to support their work. AMI is producing innovative textiles, and they deserve world-class opportunities. Together, with businesses like AMI and the Export-Import Bank’s new Make More in America Initiative, I’m hopeful that we can grow Maine’s access to international markets and strengthen our state’s economy.”

“The Export-Import Bank of the United States is committed to expanding our outreach to small businesses across the country so we can support them as they grow their export business into diverse markets,” said Vice Chair Pryor. “I thank Sen. King for inviting me to Maine to discuss the resources available through EXIM for small businesses to increase their competitiveness and boost global sales. This, in turn, fulfills EXIM’s mission of supporting U.S. job growth through exports.”

“We were excited to host Senator King and Judith Pryor, Vice Chair of EXIM Bank! It was a fantastic opportunity to show the major improvements we're making at AMI: upgrading facilities, adding specialized equipment, and developing a larger, skilled workforce,” said AMI President and CEO Kathie Leonard. “The devastation of COVID proved America needs a strong defense and commercial industrial base including small and medium sized manufacturers that can meet US demand and compete globally. AMI is one of the many that is in recovery thanks to the support of federal and state governments working together.”  

Auburn Manufacturing Inc. (AMI) is a global leader in manufacturing advanced textiles for extreme-heat environments. Their products are used in a wide variety of high-tech, critical sectors including aerospace, shipbuilding, and automotive manufacturing. They employ 50 people in Maine and manufacture products used in over 30 countries worldwide.

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the nation’s official export credit agency with the mission of supporting American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports. To advance American competitiveness and assist U.S. businesses as they compete for global sales, EXIM offers financing including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, loan guarantees, and direct loans.