U.S. Senator Jerry Moran paid a visit to a local Emporia company Thursday afternoon.
The Kansas Senator was given a roughly 45-minute tour of the Hopkins manufacturing and distribution plant in Emporia. During the tour, Moran had the opportunity to view the work of Hopkins and discuss multiple issues currently affecting the company which included the ongoing uncertainty regarding tariffs.
According to Hopkins President Brad Kraft, This is a subject which has greatly affected the business conducted by Hopkins.
Hopkins is a major manufacturer of auto accessories and exports many of their products internationally which includes Europe, Canada and South America. Tariffs on China are also another issue affecting the business as some of their products incorporate parts imported by China.
Senator Moran explains raising tariffs on products coming in from China, including some materials necessary for making products can, in fact, make the manufacturing process more expensive for local companies.
According to Senator Moran, there is a process in place in which a company can get an exclusion for tarriffs on certain products. However, he says during the tour he realized that process is not exactly as simple as it sounds.
Another topic brought up by Hopkins administrators was employment. Kraft explained that currently, the unemployment rate in Emporia and Lyon County is very low which means there are fewer workers needing work which can have an impact on the company in terms of potential expansion.
Also during the tour, Moran had the chance to visit with multiple Hopkins staff members and discuss their day to day jobs. After the tour concluded, Moran stated he feels Hopkins is a great example of the ever-growing economy Emporia has to offer.
Along with members of the Hopkins team, Moran was also greeted by several members of the local Emporia government.
Photos are available with the story at KVOE.com.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
{gallery}Senator Jerry Moran Hopkins Tour{/gallery}
