The New York Times reports on manufacturers’ reaction to the tax compromise moved forward by the Senate on Monday. The story is, “Tax Breaks Bring Hope for Hiring“:

To many manufacturing companies, the tax cut proposal now being considered in Washington may be just enough to spur additional spending and hiring.

At Yushin America, a Rhode Island company that makes and maintains robotic manufacturing equipment, executives say that the business tax breaks would allow them to invest in new machinery, new employees and even a new roof.

“It’s a chance for us to put it back in the business and grow,” said Michael Greenhalgh, operations manager of the company in Cranston, which employs 60 people and has annual sales of about $21 million.

The story quotes the NAM’s Monica McGuire and uses Bison Gear and Engineering in Illinois as a case study of how the tax treatment can spur investment.

Because Bison is organized as a subchapter S corporation, and its income is taxed at its owners’ individual rate, it will benefit if Congress extends the tax break for the wealthy. The company, which has $50 million in sales and 225 employees, will also reap tax savings from the changes in depreciation and research policies.

Ron Bullock, company chairman, said three positions in the research and development staff had been vacant for months as he tried to gauge the strength of the economic recovery and the prospects of a double-dip recession. With the tax savings, Mr. Bullock said, he expects to hire as well as replace aging equipment.

“Other businesses will use their tax incentives to order products from us, which will allow us to hire and, hopefully, expand,” he said. “That’s the way you turn an economy around, and allay the fears people have about whether this economy is a good place to invest.”

Ron is an NAM board member.

From RSM McGladrey’s news release, “Bison Gear Chairman, Ron Bullock, Receives RSM McGladrey 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award“:

Ron is dedicated to improving educational opportunities and skills training in the United States, and he currently serves as vice chairman of the Manufacturing Institute. He has long been active in the National Association of Manufacturers, having served as vice chairman and continuing to serve on the NAM’s Board of Directors.

He also served through 2009 as chairman of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association.

As for Bison Gear and Engineering Corp.: “Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, Bison Gear & Engineering Corp. designs and manufactures fractional horsepower electric motors, gearmotors and gear reducers used in industrial and commercial OEM applications worldwide.”

Congratulations!

The new head of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association is Janice Christiansen, president of J.C. Schultz, The Flag Source in Batavia. She is the first woman to be elected chairman of the 116-year-old organization. From IMA:

“The election of Janice Christiansen to the chairmanship reflects the growing number of women who have ascended to head manufacturing companies across the U.S., ” said Greg Baise, IMA president and CEO. “Janice is a testament to the tenacious battles women have fought to not only smash the glass ceiling that had prevented them from entering the top echelons of business, but to lead companies of all sizes and in all sectors with distinction.”

Christiansen is the only woman president of a full line flag and banner manufacturing company in the U.S. Born in Springfield, Illinois, she grew up in Chicago. She graduated from Michigan State University and attended DePaul Law School while working in the notes receivable department of Walter E. Heller Commercial Finance. After joining J.C. Schultz, The Flag Source in 1975, she worked in various leadership capacities following the untimely death of her husband in 1985 becoming company President in 1990, a title she has held for two decades. J.C. Schultz, The Flag Source employs 70 workers….

“Manufacturers in Illinois are facing truly challenging times,” says Christiansen. “From an economy that threatens the very existence of many manufacturers to a state legislature that continues to spend money it doesn’t have and a federal government bent on treating American businesses as an endless source of money. It’s clear our work is cut out for us.

She succeeds Ron Bullock of Bison Gear and Engineering in St. Charles. Thanks, Ron, and congratulations, Janice.