A U.S. manufacturing future

Despite the generally pessimistic media view of manufacturing, the United States still ranks as the No. 1 manufacturing country in the world, according to the National Association of Manufacturers.

But according to the group’s 14-page "Manufacturing Strategy for Jobs and a Competitive America," leaders need to do more to make the nation more competitive and more productive to create more high-paying jobs amidst global competition.

All told, the recommendations would add an estimated 10 million U.S. manufacturing jobs by 2019.

The manufacturers call for reducing various tax rates that inhibit investment, job creation and research and development; rejecting new federal regulations that dictate rigid work rules, wages and benefits; limiting new rules that add compliance costs to manufacturers; and seeking international trade agreements that lower the barriers for U.S. goods.

The policy paper noted that federal regulatory costs alone totaled $1.113 trillion in 2004, and regulations have increased since then.

It also seeks more investment in science, technology, engineering and math education, as well as billions of dollars worth of infrastructure improvements.