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BUFFALO, N.Y., USA - Eastman Machine Company announces the inclusion of an in-depth interview with Robert L. Stevenson in the September 2011 national release of “That Used To Be Us”. Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, authors Thomas L. Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum analyze what American manufacturing once was and what it would take to become great again. According to the author’s website, the book covers the challenges of “globalization, the revolution in information technology, the nation’s chronic deficits, and its pattern of energy consumption – and spells out what we needs to do now to rediscover America and rise to this moment” (www.thomaslfriedman.com). The inclusion of Eastman as an example of what it takes to be a global manufacturer in today’s economy is a statement that manufacturing can not only survive, but actually thrive in cities such as Buffalo. Mr. Stevenson remains committed to continuing the success of Eastman in Western New York and is proud to be one of Buffalo’s oldest continuing manufacturing businesses.
Stevenson discussed with the authors the major challenges his company faces by keeping manufacturing in the United States. Topics covered include labor relations, the necessity to reinvent products for new target markets, and doing business globally. The authors write that Stevenson’s story is one which “identifies why it is important that we remain a manufacturing country and what it takes both to inspire new ideas and turn them into decent-paying manufacturing jobs in America”. Stevenson’s portion sums up the way Eastman Machine Company strives to do business; “Speed wins. It is not the biggest companies that always win, but the fastest. Adaptability and responsiveness to your customers and your employees will ultimately win the battles.”
About Eastman Machine Company
Eastman Machine Company (www.eastmancuts.com) manufactures custom engineered cutting technologies. Eastman’s headquarters are located in Buffalo, New York, U.S.A. with sales offices, agents and distributors around the world. The company was established in 1888 and is a fifth-generation, family-owned business with a broad base of elite customers in the wind energy, marine, composites, military, aerospace and industrial fabrics industries.
About the Authors
Thomas L. Friedman is an internationally renowned author, reporter, and columnist—the recipient of three Pulitzer Prizes and the author of five bestselling books; Michael Mandelbaum is a leading foreign policy thinker. For more information, www.thomaslfriedman.com
