'AIIS and its predecessor organizations have been promoting 'economic growth through free trade in steel' since 1950 -- a record we are proud of. Support of open markets and free trade ' both imports and exports -- is critical to the steel consuming base in the US. However, times have changed, and it has become clear to us that AIIS must adopt a much broader pro-manufacturing policy in response to new challenges faced daily by the American manufacturing sector not related to trade.' The AIIS move to join NAM is a support initiative in the interest of both our members and customer base,' said AIIS Chairman, John Foster.

The AIIS is known primarily as the bastion for free and responsible international trade in steel.' Free and responsible trade and open markets are critical to the long term competitiveness of AIIS's U.S. manufacturing and service-related members and customers' in an ever more competitive world marketplace.' AIIS's members live and die by the success of our country's manufacturing base, including the health of the domestic steel industry.' While exports of both steel and steel containing products will continue to be of growing importance to our industry, the AIIS asserts there is both a demand and need for a reasonable balance that includes imported steel.

'Whether it is burdensome regulations related to cap and trade, punitive tax rates, truck weights, health care or other issues that affect our members and customers' competitiveness, we believe that this move to become part of the premier manufacturing organization, the National Association of Manufacturers, will benefit our membership and our customers.' We are proud to be a new member of NAM,' said Chairman Foster.'

'NAM's reputation in support of American manufacturing is well known and respected throughout the US and I am pleased that I will be engaged on behalf of AIIS members with the many experts on NAM staff and their committees on policy issues of such critical importance to our manufacturing base.' We believe that NAM has and will continue to make a difference,' concluded David Phelps, president, AIIS.