MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) – Tariffs are having an impact on Wisconsin businesses now, and in the future. Some owners took time the to address their concerns on Monday.
Business owners from Wisconsin had an opportunity to sit down with Senator Ron Johnson.
“It makes it hard to be competitive and it makes it hard for our customers here in the U.S to be competitive because we are forced to have price increases.”
Ralph Hardt President of Jagemann Stamping, Technologies and Plastics in Manitowoc says with his business, the tariffs have long-lasting effects.
“That is going to affect future sales, future opportunities, and future investments. Most of our project last 7 to 10 years, so if you lose it, you have lost it for a decade.”
The company has seen major price increases. He said it is a long road, but felt the time with Senator Johnson may be a step to get the ball rolling in the right direction.
“I think the Senator clearly heard us. I applaud him for hosting the forum and being a former business owner I think he gets it.”
Hardt says the Senator promised that he would take the comments to Secretary of Commerce, the Administration, and the President directly.
The business has 300 employees.