MADE RIGHT. RIGHT HERE. SINCE 1886.

For five generations, we’ve been making high-quality pliers and assorted hand tools the right way, right here on American soil. Today, we proudly employ over 350 hardworking Pennsylvanians who manufacture more than 75 different sizes and types of pliers in our two Meadville plants.

Eileen Anderson is director of Government Relations at the Manufacturer & Business Association. Contact her at 814/8333200, 800/815-2660 or eileenanderson@mbausa.org.

The Manufacturer & Business Association’s (MBA) membership is composed of businesses of different sizes and types. Our legislative agenda strives to serve all. Here are the major areas where we focus advocacy efforts and the thoughts that guide its development.

The foundation of Pennsylvania’s economy is people working.

To grow the economy Pennsylvania can strengthen the workforce by training youth, adults and untapped populations. Lawmakers can focus on policies that are pro-growth, pro-business and pro-jobs. Pennsylvania has the essential ingredients to attract young families who can fill the workforce pipeline — a prime location, abundant energy, natural resources and excellent institutions of higher learning.

Workforce — Pennsylvania’s long-term demographic trends are unfavorable. The labor pool is shrinking while the population ages. “For every 10 job openings… there are approximately six available jobseekers…”

• Invest more in trade, technical, vo-tech schools and other training to provide current and potential workers with needed skills.

• New technologies are needed for manufacturing. Expanding access to advanced industry careers may fill some gaps now and in the future.