Press Releases

MICHIGAN – On Thursday, June 18, House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) hosted a roundtable at the Orion Township Municipal Complex with Boeing and Michigan-based suppliers to discuss the Artemis program, America's space industrial base, aerospace manufacturing, workforce development, and economic growth.

Participants included Joel DiGrado of Boeing alongside leaders from Baker Industries, Titanium Processing Center, Advanced Integration Technology, Futuramic, Accurate Tooling Solutions, Models & Tools, Legacy Industries, Visioneering Inc., and Weldaloy Specialty Forgings.

Following NASA's Artemis missions, Boeing and its Michigan-based suppliers continue supporting the Space Launch System (SLS). Thursday's discussion focused on how space and defense programs create jobs, strengthen the supply chain, and expand economic opportunity across Michigan.

"Today's conversation made clear that Michigan's workers and manufacturers are the backbone of America's return to the Moon,” Chairwoman McClain said. “Federal investment in programs like Artemis is translating into good jobs and a stronger supply chain right here at home."

"While nothing flies into space from North America today without parts forged by Weldaloy — we work with all the space programs — it is imperative that the US government continues to have a robust space program that does not rely on any one private initiative,” Fernando Lozano, Chief Commercial Officer, Weldaloy Specialty Forgings said.

“Congressional funding for the Space Launch System (SLS) and other aerospace programs enables companies like Legacy Industries to invest in advanced capabilities that support critical national missions,” Tim Bellestri, Director of Business Development, Legacy Industries. “These programs also help develop Michigan's workforce by creating lucrative, long-term careers in engineering, machining, fabrication, and manufacturing, driving economic growth throughout the region.”

“Federal support for SLS enables companies like Models & Tools to grow advanced manufacturing in Michigan and create stable, good‑paying jobs,” Brad Doan, Business Development Manager, Models & Tools said.

“Congressional funding in the Aerospace and Defense industry has a direct effect on Accurate Tooling Solutions,” Tom Vertin, President of Accurate Tooling Solutions said. “With the State of Michigan as a center of expertise in manufacturing systems and tooling for the aerospace industry, and Accurate Tooling Solutions, a part of that center, investment into new aircraft, spacecraft and defense systems is imperative for us as well as our national defense here and abroad. This keeps high-paying, high-skilled jobs and talent here in Michigan and allows for the creation of training programs for the next generation of engineers, designers, machinists, fabricators, tool builders, and inspectors in the industry.” Tom Vertin, President of Accurate Tooling Solutions.