Tort reform needed

Excellent Viewpoint in the April issue of Converting. Off-shore competition certainly seems to be the buzzwords of the converting industry right now. Though, I am struck by the hollowness of the complaint in light of the trends in our industry.

For years, we've seen the copying and importation of machinery from China and other low-cost producing countries. Where was the cry to "Buy American" then? While I could belabor this point, what I have come to realize lately is the interconnectedness of the major issues facing all of us in business and the need to demand action from a united front.

Your article mentions the need to manufacture cheaper, develop new products and emphasize new customers. On the page opposite your Viewpoint is an advertisement with the tagline, "Three words every manager wants to hear: Less workers comp." The fact that these appear side by side is more than coincidence because really they both lead to the same conclusion.

Manufacturing is cheaper overseas. US companies spend a lot of money and resources on product-liability insurance and claims. As these hidden costs rise, R&D departments are cut. As the cost of manufacturing rises, ad budgets are cut. Users of equipment need to upgrade their presses with current guarding to avoid workers comp claims.

In short, this country needs tort reform badly if we are to save US manufacturing. We also need publications such as yours to pound the safety issue home...so people become aware that safety is everyone's concern.

Hank Brandtjen, President, Brandtjen & Kluge, Inc.