In late January, I attended the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA)’s Manufacturing Summit. The Summit brought together an impressive array of individuals that were interested in elevating the manufacturing industry in both Connecticut and the United States.

As part of the presentations, a partner from the accounting firm, McGladrey, presented the results of that firm’s 2012 Manufacturing & Distribution Monitor Report. The Report, which is based on over 900 responses to an online questionnaire, provided valuable insight into the state of U.S. Manufacturing.

One of the interesting aspects of the Report was its analysis of growth by industry sector. I was particularly interested in two industries that I have a great deal of experience with: (1) Food and Beverage; and (2) Aerospace.

Approximately 79% of the Food & Beverage businesses increased U.S. Sales over the past twelve months. On the other end of the spectrum, the Aerospace sector is anticipating a reduction of growth due to budget cuts. The National Association of Manufacturers reports that proposed budget cuts could result in the loss of 130,000 manufacturing jobs in 2014.

During the CBIA Manufacturing Summit, there was also discussion of six critical issues facing the manufacturing industry:

  • Taxing
  • EPA / Other Regulatory
  • Trade & Exports
  • Workforce Investment
  • Health Care
  • Energy Prices

Not surprisingly, there is a legal overlay to virtually all of these issues particularly with respect to the wide range of laws and regulations that a manufacturer or distributor must comply with in order to meet all local, state and, federal laws.

For this reason, I think it is extremely important to stay up-to-date on not only the legal side of the equation, but how legal decisions will impact the overall business environment. If you have suggestions about publications or other sources to read on these topics please let me know.

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Photo of Jeffrey White Jeffrey White

I am a partner at Robinson+Cole who handles corporate compliance and litigation matters for both domestic and international manufacturers and distributors that make and ship products around the world. My clients have ranged from publicly traded Fortune 500 companies to privately held and/or…

I am a partner at Robinson+Cole who handles corporate compliance and litigation matters for both domestic and international manufacturers and distributors that make and ship products around the world. My clients have ranged from publicly traded Fortune 500 companies to privately held and/or family owned manufacturers. For those looking for my detailed law firm bio, click here.

I am often asked why I have focused a large part of my law practice on counseling manufacturers and distributors. As with most things in life, the answer to that question is tied back to experiences I had well before I became a lawyer. My grandfather spent over 30 years working at a steel mill (Detroit Steel Company), including several years in its maintenance department. One of my grandfather’s prime job duties was to make sure that the equipment being used was safe. In his later years, he would apply those lessons learned in every project we did together as he passed on to me his great respect and pride for the manufacturing industry.

Because of these experiences, I not only feel comfortable advising executives in a boardroom, but also can easily transition to the factory floor. My experience has involved a range of industries, including aerospace and defense, chemicals, energy, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, nutritional and dietary supplements, and retail and consumer products. While I have extensive experience in litigation (including product liability and class actions), I am extremely proactive about trying to keep my clients out of the courtroom if at all possible. Specifically, I have counseled manufacturers and distributors on issues such as product labeling and warranties, product recalls, workplace safety/OSHA, anti-trust, and vendor relations, among other things. I always look for the business-friendly solution to a problem that may face a manufacturer or distributor and I hope this blog will help advance those efforts.