i2M CEO Details Tax Law's Factory Investment Impact
A manufacturer testifies on Capitol Hill about tax policy enabling factory expansion and childcare benefits, while a trade show announces free expert sessions on shop floor automation and sourcing strategies.
A polymer film manufacturer has detailed to Congress how permanent tax provisions are driving multi-million dollar factory investments and expanded employee benefits. Separately, an upcoming manufacturing trade show will feature a series of free expert presentations focused on practical strategies for sourcing work and implementing automation on the production floor.
Tax Policy Fuels Factory Expansion
Alex Grover, CEO and owner of flexible polymer film manufacturer i2M, testified before the House Ways and Means Committee about the impact of the 2025 tax law. Grover stated that stable, pro-growth tax policies have enabled her company to make a $63 million investment to onshore critical production components and plan a 130,000 square foot facility expansion slated for 2027.
The CEO credited specific provisions made permanent in the law for facilitating these investments. Immediate expensing for research and development is helping i2M develop new, sustainable plastic products. Immediate expensing for equipment will allow the company to fill its new building with machinery, while immediate facility expensing helps fund the construction itself. Grover also highlighted the pass-through deduction and estate-tax exemption as key to keeping the 210-employee, family-owned business investing in U.S. manufacturing.
Beyond physical capital, Grover emphasized investments in workforce infrastructure. She told lawmakers that expanding a tax credit to $500,000 and increasing the credit rate to 40% made it financially feasible to offer enhanced childcare benefits. i2M reserves spots, offers reduced rates, and extends hours at a local provider for employees working 12-hour shifts. Grover framed this as critical infrastructure, as vital as roads and the electrical grid. The $63 million investment will also support the hiring of 40 additional workers.
Free Sessions on Sourcing and Automation
The CONTRAX Grand Rapids trade show has announced a lineup of free expert presentations for October 21, 2026. The sessions, called QUOTED at CONTRAX, are designed to provide practical strategies on how manufacturing work is sourced, quoted, and produced.
Four presentations will cover key shop floor and business development challenges. Philip Peloso of KUKA will discuss how subscription-based automation can make CNC machine tending practical for contract shops, helping them increase capacity and run unattended. Alex Huckstepp of UpTool will share data from over 100 shops on the speed, pricing, and responsiveness practices that win and retain the best customers.
Craig Crossley of Visibility Corporation will examine how manufacturers can combine artificial intelligence with existing ERP data to automate routine work and accelerate quoting. Dave Necessary of Gardner Business Media will present performance benchmarking data and a business outlook for the contract manufacturing sector. All sessions are free to registered attendees and exhibitors, followed by a networking reception.
