R&B Plastics Machinery Hosts Local Congressman

By Rhoda Miel of PlasticsNews.com (original article)

SALINE, MICH. (July 18, 2011) — A typical work schedule sees U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg attending meetings, hearings and floor action on the House of Representatives at least two out of every three weeks.

So when he’s away from Washington, D.C., the Republican said it is important for him to take advantage of visits like the one July 18 he had at R&B Plastics Machinery LLC in Saline, to get a ground-level perspective on manufacturing and how political decisions affect R&B and other companies.

“When I sit in a work committee talking about [health and safety] standards or tariffs, I can think about places like this, and things like what’s going on behind that curtain over there,” Walberg said, pointing to an area of the shop floor where proprietary future projects were hidden away from the general public.

Al Hodge, president of R&B, a maker of single-screw extruders and blow molding equipment, said hosting the congressman’s visit and a question and answer session with other nearby manufacturers provides key networking opportunities.

“Anytime you can get an elected official into a factory and see what really happens, it’s important,” he said.

Those contacts help manufacturers raise their voice on both pending legislation, and bring up topics important to them, he said. During Walberg’s brief visit, that included discussions about vocational training for the future workforce, oil prices and seeking ways to encourage consumers to support American-made goods.

Hodge noted that R&B has 47 employees in Saline and about another 20 in Monroe, Mich., and plans to expand. With eight apprentices in training in Monroe, he noted the firm has an interest in training new workers as well as the current business environment.