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FIRST ON FOX: An Indiana lawmaker is proudly highlighting the recent opening of a manufacturing plant by Guardian Bikes in her district, an achievement linked to President Donald Trump’s bold tariff initiatives against China.
Representative Erin Houchin, a Republican from Indiana, spoke with Fox News Digital about the company’s $19 million investment to enhance operations in Seymour, Indiana. She emphasized that this move will generate new job opportunities for the local community.
According to Houchin, “The number of job opportunities that are available, the investment right here in southern Indiana, that’s money that’s staying right here at home and not going outside the country. And certainly away from China.” This marks her first interview concerning the topic.
The Indiana Republican, now serving her second term, recounted visiting Guardian Bikes shortly after her election to Congress. During her visit, the company employed just 16 people.
“At the time, they discussed their ambition to become a 100% made in the USA bicycle factory,” said Houchin, pointing out that currently, more than 97% of bicycles sold in the country are manufactured abroad. Many bicycles may be assembled in the U.S., but most component parts are imported, largely from China.
She revealed that Guardian Bikes previously depended on Chinese imports for around 70% of its production. After Trump’s election in November 2016, the company began a gradual transition towards domestic manufacturing.
With a recent announcement of $19 million in financing from JPMorgan Chase, Guardian Bikes aims to initiate the first large-scale bicycle frame manufacturing operation in the United States. Houchin attributed this progress to Trump’s trade policies, stating, “It’s just pretty incredible that we have a president right now focused on creating a level playing field for American companies.”
The company is striving to significantly boost its production from 100,000 mass-market bicycles made in the U.S. to over a million.
“That’s just very, very exciting,” Houchin expressed.
Guardian Bikes, which already operates facilities in California and Pennsylvania, plans to open additional locations in Texas and Georgia later this year, as detailed on the company’s website.
The website also highlights the firm’s commitment to manufacturing bicycle frames in Indiana, with plans to expedite the shift towards producing entirely within the United States.
Guardian Bikes CEO Brian Riley explained the strategic decision, stating, “We brought Guardian Bikes production to the U.S. because we believe the future of manufacturing is local, fast, and data-driven. Indiana, and specifically Seymour, offers the perfect combination of workforce, infrastructure, and proximity to our customer base. It’s not just about making bikes – it’s about building a new model for American manufacturing.”
Critics of Trump’s comprehensive tariff agenda have accused the administration of destabilizing the global economy. However, proponents of the tariffs characterize them as an effective negotiating tool and a necessary response to the loss of jobs to overseas markets.
A pivotal element of Trump’s trade policy involved instituting a 10% tariff on all imports to the U.S. While plans for additional reciprocal tariffs were initially proposed, they were eventually scrapped against countries that refrained from retaliating against the U.S.
Simultaneously, Trump imposed a staggering 145% base tariff on all exports from Beijing, aiming to reduce the United States’ dependence on Chinese manufacturing.
In a statement provided to Fox News Digital, White House spokesman Kush Desai reiterated, “Trillions in historic investment commitments from industry leaders – now including Guardian Bikes – since Election Day only reinforces what President Trump has been saying all along: if you make your product in America, you don’t have to worry about tariffs.”
This sentiment encapsulates the broader vision shared by Houchin and Trump supporters, who believe that revitalizing domestic manufacturing will bolster the American economy and create sustainable job growth.
As Guardian Bikes forges ahead with its ambitious goals, this case stands as a potential model for other companies contemplating a return to U.S. production. The success seen in Indiana may inspire further efforts to revitalize manufacturing sectors across the country, reinforcing the narrative of American resilience.
This endeavor not only champions American jobs but also aligns with a growing movement to prioritize local manufacturing in the face of global competition. With lawmakers like Houchin advocating for domestic production, the future landscape of industries in the United States may shift towards greater self-reliance and innovation.
In conclusion, the story of Guardian Bikes serves as a pivotal example of how trade policies can influence local economies. As more companies recognize the advantages of producing domestically, the American manufacturing renaissance may be closer than ever.
