LAUREL —
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) will visit the Pine Belt today to tour Jarden Consumer Solutions in Waynesboro and speak to members of the Laurel Kiwanis Club.
Rocki Rockingham, vice president, community relations and communications for Jarden, said Wicker will tour the Waynesboro facility and talk to employees in recognition of the company’s recent victory in an anti-dumping case against China.
“He’s coming to tell them how important they are to the state of Mississippi, but it also gives employees the opportunity to thank him for the support,” Rockingham said.
According to the company, Jarden Consumer Solutions petitioned the International Trade Commission (ITC) and U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) in 2009 to investigate sales of important woven electric blankets (WEBs) from China, which JCS claimed were being sold at less than fair value.
Last month, Wicker testified at the ITC’s final hearing about the importance of the JCS Waynesboro facility to the local Mississippi economy and the U.S. WEB industry.
After also receiving written support from U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.), the ITC ruled 6-0 that JCS was being harmed by China’s dumped imports. The DOC levied a minimum of 93 percent antidumping duty on imported WEBs from China.
Rockingham said that ruling leveled the playing field for JCS’ Waynesboro facility, which locally manufactures woven electric blankets.
“We just appreciate him testifying and really being supporting of keeping jobs in Mississippi,” she said. “He was very instrumental in helping with the success of the anti-dumping suit.”
Jarden Consumer Solutions, which is headquartered in Boca Raton, Fla., owns such brands as Rival, Crock-Pot, Sunbeam, Oster and Mr. Coffee.
The Waynesboro facility, which is operated by Sunbeam Corporation, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2009 and employs over 300 workers. It is also the last U.S. factory that produces woven electric blankets.
After visiting the Waynesboro facility this morning, Wicker will be the guest speaker for the Laurel Kiwanis Club luncheon at the Laurel Country Club.
When reached for comment, Wicker said he is looking forward to visiting the employees of the Sunbeam factory in Waynesboro.
“The factory’s success is attributed to the skill and ingenuity of the workforce as well as the company’s commitment to its employees and the community,” he said. “I recently had the opportunity to highlight the company when I testified before the International Trade Commission on behalf of Sunbeam in a case regarding imports of woven electric blankets. I am glad the commission’s decision will help level the playing field so Sunbeam can continue to compete on a global market.”
More information about Wicker can be found at wicker.senate.gov.
Local News
Wicker visiting area today
Senator making stops in Laurel, Waynesboro
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