At a U.S. Senate hearing Tuesday, Stanley Black and Decker President Don Allan said engaging with countries in Asia while lifting tariffs on Chinese goods would increase American manufacturing industry’s competitiveness.
The hearing of the Senate Finance Committee focused on strategic multilateral trade policy in the Asia Pacific region. During his testimony Allan, who became president of the New Britain-based tool manufacturing giant in February, said he believes the U.S. should develop a strategy that increases trade partnerships in the Asia and Asia Pacific region.
“Strengthening commercial and diplomatic ties with countries including South Korea, Japan, India and other allies will ensure that no one country is over-relied on for serving the world, and particularly the U.S. market.”
During his testimony, Allan also touted Stanley’s efforts over the past decade to reshore much of the company’s manufacturing to the U.S. He noted that Stanley is establishing the headquarters for Craftsman hand tool brand — which Stanley acquired in 2017 — in Fort Worth, Texas, after the previous owner located it in China.
“Our hiring and investment in the U.S. is the manifestation of our commitment made about 10 years ago to move supply chain and manufacturing closer to our customers,” Allan said.
