FTC: Made In The USA Comments Concerning Theodore F. Jablonski--P894219

August 5, 1997

Dear Sir:

I understand that there are persons, corporate groups as well as numerous other parties who want to change the existing "Made in USA" Rules to lessen the requirements in order to qualify for that label. I strongly urge you to oppose any changes at this time. Quite the contrary, if changes would occur, I would advocate that 100% of the manufacturing costs be incurred in the United States instead of 98%. The American citizen is losing out!

However, I recommend that the F.T.C. establish two categories as follows

1. MADE IN THE USA: This label would be used for those products of which at least 98% of the manufacturing costs are incurred in the United States.
2. ASSEMBLED IN THE USA: This label may be used by a manufacturer who does not qualify for the "Made in the USA" label. When used however, the label must disclose the percentage of the assembly process which occurred in the U.S.A.

It is alarming that so many U.S. Co.'s are moving their manufacturing plants to Mexico--100%. One particular Co. that I know of, is MOTOROLA! Not only that, Motorola is DEMANDING that Co.'s which supply them with component-parts MUST move their factories to Mexico near their NEW factory .... OR.... Motorola will stop buying parts from them. I'm sure you are familiar with the fact that there are seven(7) service-jobs involved for every one(l) manufacturing job. You can readily see that thousands of U.S. manufacturing (high pay) jobs are lost when just ONE U.S. Co. moves out of the U.S. This practice is destroying the United States. Do you agree?

So, I ask you to encourage the implementation of the above-listed recommendations and NOT make it easier for companies to use the "Made in the U.S.' label.

Sincerely,

Theodore F. Jablonski

Theodore F. Jablonski
132l 6th Ave.
Ford City, Pa. 16226