“The investment case for American manufacturing has never been stronger—record output, a historic construction cycle, trillions in committed foreign capital,” says Dave Evans, president and CEO of MISUMI Americas. “What we see with our customers every day is that the next constraint isn't capital. It's having enough people with the right advanced skills to run these facilities at full capacity.”

Evans believes one way to address this issue before it becomes a crisis is to encourage lawmakers in Washington to pass legislation—specifically, H.R. 9097, the American Manufacturing Revitalization Exchange Program Act, which was introduced by Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) last month. The bipartisan legislation is pending before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The bill would send American manufacturing workers to allied nations, such as Germany, Japan and South Korea, for hands-on training in advanced production skills, before they return to the United States.

"Having a strong manufacturing sector is critical to our economy, national security and ability to compete globally," explains Congressman Huizenga. "By focusing on advanced manufacturing…this legislation will help reshore American manufacturing, equip American workers with in-demand skills and rebuild our nation's middle class."

The bill would create a structured exchange so that American workers can train directly in those environments and bring the knowledge home, accelerating a domestic pipeline that is already growing. It  is supported by numerous organizations, including Automation Alley, the Manufacturing Institute and the National Association of Manufacturers.