FTC: Made In The USA Comments Concerning SGS Tool Company--P894219
July 15, 1997 I am the President, Chief Operating Officer of the SGS Tool Company, a manufacturer and supplier of solid carbide rotary cutting tools, located in Munroe Falls, Ohio for over 30 years, with all manufacturing done in Ohio; employing approximately 450 associates. Our products are sold world-wide in approximately 55 countries, including sales and inventory offices in England and Germany. SGS Tool Company is an ISO-9002 certified company. The Federal Trade Commission has proposed guidelines which would change the definition of the "Made in USA" label and we think this is unfair and detrimental to American workers, and misleading to American consumers. The "Made in USA" label is second only to price when a consumer is making a decision to buy a cutting tool, both here and abroad. It is well known that a tool marked "Made in USA" represents a quality product. In addition it is recognized that is why some tool manufacturers want to stamp their tools "Made in USA" even though their product may not be wholly American made. We feel some of the companies who want to use the "Made in USA" label inappropriately have convinced the FTC to change the definition from all or virtually all made in the USA to one that would allow products with 25% or more foreign content to be so labeled, "Made in USA." We strongly oppose that and want you to co-sponsor H. Con. Res. 80 or its Senate companion. This bill would urge the FTC to back away from implementing this new definition. We ask for and need your help. We appreciate any attention you give to this matter. We would also ask to be advised if you do co-sponsor this resolution, and if you have any reason for not supporting us on this important issue, we would ask to be advised so we can discuss this further. This is urgent to our business, our city and state. American jobs will be in jeopardy if we don't stop this FTC rule, and U. S. consumers will be misled. The Unites States government should not support any action undermining the meaning of "Made in USA" labeling. Yours truly, Ronald E. Quigley REQ:neh |