Walker Tool & Die President Raises Concerns Over Tariff Policy Amid Economic Uncertainty
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Jeff Umlor, President of Walker Tool & Die, expressed mixed feelings regarding the fluctuating tariffs implemented by the Trump administration aimed at bolstering domestic manufacturing. His company, established in 1964 and employing 60 workers, specializes in building sheet metal stamping dies for various sectors, including automotive and home appliances.
While Umlor finds the idea of tariffs appealing as a means to level the competitive landscape against low-cost manufacturing countries like China—often benefitting from government subsidies and cheaper labor—he doubts their viability as a long-term solution. The unpredictable nature of tariffs has led to significant uncertainty for companies relying on Walker Tool & Die’s services, prompting clients, especially in the automotive sector, to delay projects due to concerns over financial implications.
Democratic U.S. Senator Gary Peters visited the factory to engage with local manufacturers about the ongoing tariff situation. Peters highlighted the detrimental chaos caused by tariff uncertainty, noting that businesses struggle to adapt without clear rules, which stifles hiring and decision-making. He shares Umlor’s desire for a focused tariff strategy, suggesting that targeted tariffs could better support the tooling industry without imposing broad taxes that could disrupt other economic sectors.
Umlor advocates for a national policy mandating that manufacturers source a substantial portion of their tool and die work domestically. He asserts that strengthening the tool and die sector is crucial, given the industry has seen a 19% decline in employment over the past decade. Umlor warns that reliance on foreign manufacturing could jeopardize U.S. readiness in national emergencies. He emphasizes the need for skilled workers in the country, stating, “These are very high-skilled employees that we need to have here in the United States.”
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