This Tax Day, manufacturers are open for business like never before

This Tax Day, America’s manufacturers aren’t looking backward — they’re building for the future. Across the country, manufacturers and the communities they serve are seeing the impact of a competitive tax code designed to incentivize investment, growth, and hard work. 

Just one year ago, manufacturing leaders from across the country gathered on Capitol Hill alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and congressional leaders. Their message was clear: If the United States wants to lead, we must have a tax code that allows manufacturers to compete and win.

That meant preserving and strengthening key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 — full expensing, the pass-through deduction, interest deductibility, and more. Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, his administration and Congress delivered on all fronts.

WORKING FAMILIES TAX CUTS ARE A BEACON FOR MAIN STREET AMERICA

The manufacturing leaders who joined us last year have already taken action in all corners of our great country to innovate and grow, thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017 allowed companies like Ultra Machining Company in Rep. Tom Emmer’s (R-MN) district in Monticello, Minnesota, to double the size of their manufacturing footprint, adding 60,000 square feet of additional manufacturing space. Now, thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, UMC is writing off research and development expenses in the year incurred, giving UMC the stability to invest in the future, support its 230 employees, and grow America’s workforce. 

In North Carolina, Ketchie — a third-generation precision machine shop — was able to invest more than $1.1 million in new equipment, strengthening its operations for the future. In Iowa, Vermeer Corporation is moving forward with a new 300,000-square-foot facility that will create more than 300 jobs. In South Carolina, Sylvamo is investing $145 million to expand its manufacturing footprint.

And that’s just the beginning.

Johnson & Johnson announced a $2 billion expansion in North Carolina and a $1 billion investment in Pennsylvania tied to pro-growth tax policy. Brunswick closed down a facility in Mexico to transition more operations to its plants in Tennessee and Florida. 

For Nevada-based manufacturer Click Bond, eliminating tax on overtime is boosting employees’ take-home pay, making it easier for the company to meet spikes in demand. Manufacturers already work roughly six more hours per week than the average hourly employee, and for companies like Click Bond that are supporting our defense industrial base, no tax on overtime rewards those stepping up to meet the moment. It incentivizes the extra hours needed to accelerate production and strengthen our nation’s security. 

These are not abstract economic theories. These are policies that lead to concrete investments, new jobs, higher wages, and stronger communities.

At a time when global competition is intensifying, the U.S. cannot afford to fall behind. Manufacturing is not just an economic priority. It is a national security imperative. From defense production to advanced technologies, our ability to build here at home determines our strength abroad.

In July, we will mark 250 years since the American experiment began — a story in which manufacturers have always played a proud and essential role. From the blacksmiths of the Revolution to the engineers behind Artemis II, manufacturers have powered America’s progress every step of the way. 

Today, we have the opportunity to write the next chapter.

When the right policies to reduce the cost of doing business in our country are in place, manufacturers can invest, hire, and innovate at a scale that will define the next American century. The progress we are seeing today is proof of what works.

CUT THE FAX: THE IRS IS STUCK IN THE PAST

This Tax Day, we should recommit to policies that unlock investment and keep America the best place in the world to build, create jobs, and compete.

Because when manufacturing wins, America wins.

Republican Tom Emmer represents Minnesota’s 6th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he serves as Majority Whip. Jay Timmons is President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers.