KANSAS CITY – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today visited Western Forms, Inc. to meet with executives and employees, and rally support for the job-creating benefits of the Export-Import Bank ahead of a crucial Senate vote this fall.
McCaskill heard from Western Forms, Inc. employees on how their company had been positively impacted by the bank, and discussed ways the bank’s funding has allowed them to create jobs in Missouri and compete in the global marketplace.
“The Export-Import Bank is one of the most important tools available to help Missouri companies create jobs and succeed in the increasingly competitive global market,” said McCaskill. “The Export-Import Bank helps Missouri companies like Western Forms, Inc. sell their goods and services to customers across the globe, and supports jobs for thousands of Missourians. That’s why it’s critical that Congress take bipartisan action this fall to renew the Export-Import Bank’s authorization—and keep this valuable tool in the hands of Missouri businesses.”
McCaskill recently sent a letter to companies in the Kansas City area who have grown their businesses with the help of Export-Import Bank resources. Without Congressional action, the authorization for the Export-Import Bank is set to expire on September 30.
The Export-Import Bank supports American jobs by helping to finance foreign sales of U.S. products through loan guarantees, direct loans, and credit insurance, all at no cost to taxpayers. Since 2009, the Export-Import Bank has supported $188 billion in U.S. exports and 1.2 million American jobs. The Export-Import Bank has supported $1 billion in exports from 96 Missouri companies since 2007. Nearly 85 percent of businesses supported by the Export-Import Bank are small and medium-sized businesses.
Since 1962, Western Forms, Inc. has manufactured aluminum forming systems that are used in residential and commercial cast-in-place concrete building construction. A third-generation Missouri family company founded in 1955, Western Forms, Inc. now has 150 employees.