Industry Groups Back Creation of 'Manufacturing Czar'

IndustryWeek (9/15, Katz) – Manufacturing representatives say they hope the Obama administration's newly created senior counselor for manufacturing will put a renewed focus in Washington on manufacturing as a whole…Bloom's union ties have raised some concerns that he's a little too cozy with organized labor, but initial response from the manufacturing community has been positive regarding the position's role.

"The most important part of this process is some recognition that manufacturing is important," says Mark Tomlinson, executive director and general manager of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers…Tomlinson would like to see more emphasis on other industries, including aerospace, medical device and energy-related manufacturing, and increased support for small and midsize manufacturers, he says. Tomlinson says he also hopes Bloom will help manufacturers gain more financial support for capital equipment expenditures and workforce training.