Since 1952, Western Pneumatic Tube Company (WPT) has been manufacturing cutting-edge welded tubing for industries ranging from aircraft to solar energy to food processing. Our reliable and high-quality products allow us to be the leading manufacturer for a wide variety of materials and configurations, while maintaining the capacity for large production runs with certified quality and integrity. WPT’s success has been driven by our innovative developments of this specialty technology, with innovations that we must protect.
For companies like ours – that pride themselves on developing valuable and game-changing technology – new trade agreements that open markets and protect innovation with high standards on intellectual property and other issues are important to expanding our market overseas, which in turn supports and creates high-quality jobs in Kirkland and cities across the United States. Our state is one of the top exporters, shipping nearly $75 billion in manufactured goods in 2014. This already strong export market will become even more robust with market-opening, high-standard trade agreements that promote innovative and advanced U.S. manufacturing and ultimately create high-quality jobs, spurring economic growth and increased consumption that will move the U.S. economy forward.
When barriers are eliminated overseas and high standards are in place, such as in the 14 free trade agreements (FTAs) the United States has negotiated with 20 countries around the world, the U.S., our industries and our workers succeed. But complex trade agreements cannot be negotiated without Congress and the President working together through the important Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) partnership. TPA sets the objectives that U.S. executive branch negotiators should seek in new trade agreements, holds them accountable and provides for input and consultations with Congress and the private sector. In return, the President is assured of an up-or-down vote on the final trade agreement – providing our negotiators the strongest possible leverage to get strong outcomes from foreign countries that still have in place high barriers and weak standards.
During the last two weeks, a majority of the House of Representatives passed TPA — twice. Several of our state’s representatives, such as Kirkland’s Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, stood up for innovative manufacturers and their employees in Kirkland and across America by supporting TPA. We applaud Rep. DelBene’s support for the type of trade framework that will promote strong and advanced manufacturing.
But the effort is not over as TPA now moves back to the Senate for a final vote on passage. Last month, both Washington Senators, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, also supported TPA. We urge them to do so again in the next few weeks.
Passing TPA is critical for the growth of innovative manufacturing in Washington and across the United States that will support and create the higher-paying jobs that will drive our economy. The U.S. manufacturing renaissance is continuing but we need new markets, a level playing field and high standards globally to continue that growth. A vote “yes” for TPA is a vote that ensures a flourishing future for American innovation.
Simon Prior is the aerospace unit president for Western Pneumatic Tube Company located in Kirkland.
