Focused on Workforce Development & Safely Restarting Indiana’s Economy
INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric Holcomb today joined the Indiana Manufacturers Association (IMA) as the organization announced that it is endorsing the governor for reelection.
“Throughout this pandemic, the power of Indiana manufacturing has been on full display, working safely and quickly to produce critical supplies like PPE,” said Brian Burton, president and chief executive officer of the IMA. “Now and always, Hoosier manufacturers are thankful to operate in Indiana, where Governor Holcomb’s leadership has helped build the environment for manufacturers to grow and for Hoosiers to build the skills for great jobs. His leadership has been key to our industry’s continued success – and will continue to be critical in the years ahead. He’s the leader we need, now, and for the next four years.”
The IMA is the second oldest manufacturers association in the country and the only trade association in Indiana that exclusively focuses on manufacturing. Representing more than 1,100 businesses across the state, the organization is dedicated to advocating for a business climate that creates, protects and promotes quality manufacturing jobs in Indiana.
The announcement was made at Major Tool and Machine, a contract manufacturer founded in 1946 in Indianapolis that provides engineering, fabricating and machining services. The company, which has grown to operate across more than 600,000 square feet, employs more than 400 Hoosiers.
“Major Tool & Machine is extremely proud of our highly-skilled Hoosier employees and the work they do that makes a difference in the lives of so many across our great country,” said Mike Griffith, president of Major Tool & Machine. “We’re also proud to support Governor Holcomb, who has worked hard over the last three and half years – including through this pandemic – to help manufactures like Major Tool & Machine grow and create more jobs. He understands the issues we face, and he’s working on them daily.”
Governor Holcomb has worked throughout his administration to build the best environment for manufacturers. And as part of his Back on Track Plan, he has worked to help safely jumpstart the state’s economy.
The IMA cited Indiana’s record 100,000 new private sector job commitments since 2017, as well as his work tripling the state’s foreign direct investment over the last three years, as top reasons for their endorsement. This is in addition to his Next Level Jobs initiative – which has helped more than 10,000 Hoosiers earn a credential for a high-wage, in-demand job – as top reasons for their endorsement. To help Hoosiers looking to grow their skills, through the end of the year Governor Holcomb has expanded the eligibility, offerings and funding caps for Next Level Jobs – including the Employer Training Grant that helps Indiana employers train Hoosiers on the job.
“Indiana is home to the nation’s highest concentration of manufacturing jobs, and we’re working to keep it that way as our state continues to get back on track,” said Governor Eric Holcomb. “Indiana’s manufacturers produce everything from cars and RVs to vital PPE. But beyond that, they also produce great Hoosier jobs and opportunity as we continue to build One Indiana for All. I thank the Indiana Manufacturers Association for their support as we continue to support our job creators across the state.”
The IMA is the ninth group to endorse Governor Holcomb this election cycle, following news last week that the Indiana REALTORS® PAC had endorsed him for reelection. He’s also earned the endorsement of the Indiana Professional Firefighters PAC, the Indiana State Building and Construction Trades, the Northwest Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council, Indiana Builders Association, the National Federation of Independent Business, the Indiana State Police Alliance, and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.