WASHINGTON - The Bush administration yesterday tapped a California businessman to serve as its manufacturing czar after the first pick withdrew his nomination over criticisms his company cut U.S. jobs and shifted work to China.
Commerce Secretary Don Evans announced during a visit to Ohio, a state that has lost manufacturing jobs, that the administration would nominate Al Frink as assistant commerce secretary of manufacturing and services.
Frink is a Hispanic businessman and co-founder of Fabrica International in Orange County, Calif., a company that manufactures carpets and rugs.
Al's extensive background as a manufacturer makes him a great candidate to serve because he has walked in their shoes and knows firsthand the barriers that are challenging American manufacturers
Evans said in a statement.
Speaking to workers at an Ohio plant that makes natural gas compressors, Frink said he hopes to help American manufacturers continue to lead the world in quality, productivity and innovation. Nobody beats us he said.
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