Lima, OH- Today, American Trim hosted United States Commerce Secretary Gary Locke at their Research and Development Center in Lima, Ohio. The visit was a far reaching effort by the Commerce Department to visit Ohio companies to learn of plans to support the Government's Economic Recovery Plan and showcase new manufacturing techniques supporting that effort.

During Secretary Locke's visit to American Trim he toured the development center to see the advancements made in fuel cell production capabilities. "We were able to demonstrate, in real time, technology which will play an important role in enabling the Administration's alternative energy program as well as change the face of American manufacturing," commented Rick Pfeifer, American Trim's Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. "And, importantly for Ohio and American Trim, this technology will create jobs." Locke remarked after his tour of the facility that, "This factory, American Trim is a great example of the Department of Commerce use of Manufacturing Extension Program (MEP) to help private sector companies drive growth." >
In addition to US Secretary Locke, Lieutenant Governor Fisher and Lima's Mayor Berger also addressed the audience of Lima-based companies during the town hall meeting.

Mayor Berger expressed his goal of attracting State's investment dollars to the Lima area to fund growth and innovation leading to jobs. "Our goal is to invigorate the existing manufacturing base with innovation and technology. American Trim is an exciting example delivering on the vision."

The Lieutenant Governor explained during the town hall discussion that attracting businesses to the Ohio area is the main focus of the Governor's office. They believe this can be done through adjusting to the changing economy by continuing to innovate and grow. He commented on American Trim's use of state funding as being, "a model Ohio company that is symbolic of the kinds of companies we want to keep and attract to Ohio."

About American Trim
American Trim was founded in 1951 and specializes in the forming, decorating, and coating of metal and composite substrates. These core competencies are supported and enhanced by American Trim's Design, Research and Development activities ensuring the most advanced and cost effective solutions for its customer partners.