In 1895, a group of forward-thinking manufacturers gathered in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a bold vision: to create a unified voice for an industry that was rapidly becoming the backbone of the American economy. More than 125 years later, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) stands as the nation's largest and most influential manufacturing association, representing 14,000 member companies - from small family-owned businesses to global enterprises - that employ more than 13 million people across every industrial sector in all 50 states. We work for the success of the people who make things in America, guided by four core values: free enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty and equal opportunity.
Today, the NAM serves as a one-stop shop for manufacturers and manufacturing, delivering unmatched expertise in advocacy, workforce development, legal action and operational excellence. Our team in Washington, D.C. fights for pro-growth policies, champions manufacturing in the courts through our Legal Center, develops tomorrow's manufacturing workforce through The Manufacturing Institute, and provides critical insights and analysis that help business leaders make informed decisions. Whether we're shaping the narrative around manufacturing's contributions to American prosperity or helping members navigate complex regulatory challenges, the NAM remains committed to building a future where manufacturing can compete and win in the global economy.