WASHINGTON, D.C.-"State governors have a critical role to play in advocating the interests of U.S. manufacturing," says Richard E. Dauch, co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer of American Axle & Manufacturing.

Dauch, who also serves as chairman of the National Association of Manufacturers, told the National Governors Association that manufacturing remains a critical component of the U.S. economy. "Manufacturing accounts for almost a fifth of GDP (gross domestic product), provides 15 million high-paying jobs and supports another eight million jobs in other sectors," he says. "Manufacturing is the seedbed of innovation in our economy, accounting for 62% of all R&D (research and development). It is far and away our pace setter in productivity gains, and accounts for the bulk of U.S. exports."