Klobuchar highlights importance of high-tech manufacturing to Minnesota economy

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Minneapolis, MN – U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar today (Friday, July 20) highlighted the importance of high-tech manufacturing to Minnesota’s economy.

Klobuchar joined officials at Goodrich in Burnsville for the opening of their expanded high-tech manufacturing facility, and said that promoting innovation lifts up local communities and increases America’s competitiveness in the global economy.

Goodrich has added more than 175 jobs in Minnesota due to the expansion and economic growth. Klobuchar was joined by Gov. Mark Dayton, Burnsville Mayor Elizabeth Kautz, and other state and local officials.

“Goodrich could have built this new facility anywhere it wanted – but it decided to expand its high tech operations in Minnesota and that says a lot about our state’s commitment to technology and progress,” Klobuchar said. “Minnesota is a state that makes things and this new facility is a shining example of the vital role innovation plays in our economy.”

The Goodrich Corporation is a global supplier of systems and services to the aerospace industry that employs over 1,600 people in Minnesota. The expanded Burnsville facility will leverage micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) for the production of miniature silicon wafer sensors. Those sensors, which are roughly the size of a fingertip, will be used to enhance the safety and performance of both commercial and military aerospace systems.

Klobuchar chairs the Senate Subcommittee on Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion, and has been a leader in the effort to boost American manufacturing and increase America’s competitiveness in the global economy.

Klobuchar was a strong supporter of the America COMPETES Act, which increased support for math and science education as well as new technology initiatives.

Klobuchar has also introduced the Innovate America Act to promote innovation by cutting red tape to help businesses utilize research and development for new products, targeting successful education programs, and promoting U.S. exports in new markets.