During a visit to Calder Brothers Corporation, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) highlighted the potential benefits a sweeping infrastructure bill could create for the U.S. equipment manufacturing industry and our broader economy. AEM and Calder Brothers Corporation hosted Sen. Graham for an I Make America event on Monday, where he toured the manufacturing facility, met with employees, and discussed the policies needed to ensure the continued long-term growth and prosperity of equipment manufacturers in the Palmetto State.
“During yesterday’s visit to Calder Brothers, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers and industry executives emphasized that an infrastructure bill would do more to jumpstart both the manufacturing sector and the U.S. economy than any other legislative proposal. I couldn’t agree more,” said Senator Graham. “If we’re able to pass an infrastructure bill to fund our roads, bridges, and ports, it would generate strong economic activity that would help us recover from the impact of COVID-19. Something the folks here mentioned, and I continue to hear in my travels across South Carolina, is that businesses are struggling to find workers to fill jobs. I think part of infrastructure legislation can and should be incentivizing and educating the next generation of skilled workers.”
The Senator’s visit generated buzz in the local community, resulting in all three local news affiliates covering the event. Fox Carolina, WSPA CBS, and WJCL ABC included coverage of the Senator’s visit during their evening newscasts. The Post and Courier, the newspaper of note in South Carolina, also covered the event.
Calder Brothers Corporation, based in Taylors, South Carolina, designs and produces a full line of asphalt paving equipment for the highway, commercial, residential, and municipal markets. Sen. Graham addressed several policy issues during his visit, including the need to make a significant investment in our nation’s infrastructure, remove harmful tariffs on stifling global competitiveness, and build a 21st century manufacturing workforce.
“Calder Brothers Corporation is honored to host Senator Graham at our Taylors facility,” said Glen Calder, Calder Brothers Corporation vice president of operations. “Thanks to the support of leaders like Senator Graham, we can continue to manufacture the equipment that keeps folks moving on our roads, bridges, and highways. We are encouraged to hear about his efforts on Capitol Hill that will allow our company and our industry to thrive right here in the Palmetto State.”
“Equipment manufacturers are a cornerstone of South Carolina’s economy, providing family-sustaining jobs to more than 35,000 men and women,” said Kip Eideberg, AEM senior vice president of government and industry relations. “We need our elected officials to advance pro-manufacturing policies so that equipment manufacturers can continue to grow, innovate, and compete in the 21st century economy. We would like to thank Senator Graham for his leadership on behalf of our industry and for his steadfast focus on the issues that will keep American equipment manufacturing strong.”
I Make America is the national grassroots campaign of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, which advocates for policies that support manufacturing jobs and help America’s equipment manufacturers compete globally. If you would like to get involved with the I Make America campaign and help advocate for the policies that are critical to the industry’s long-term growth and economic prosperity, please contact AEM's Wade Balkonis at wbalkonis@aem.org.
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