Senator Bill Hagerty Visits Miller Industries to Discuss the Future of Manufacturing in Tennessee
From left: Torsten Schultz, Miller Industries Interim Director of Manufacturing, Senator Hagerty, and William Miller II, president and CEO of Miller Industries.
Miller Industries press release:
U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty visited Miller Industries’ headquarters in Ooltewah, TN, to meet with company leadership and employees to discuss the role of manufacturing in Tennessee’s economy, tour the production facilities, and talk through the regulatory landscape facing the towing and recovery industry.
Miller Industries, the world’s largest manufacturer of towing and recovery equipment, welcomed the Senator for a roundtable discussion that highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the sector, particularly around government regulations that impact innovation and growth.
During the visit, Senator Hagerty emphasized the importance of supporting American manufacturers like Miller Industries and preserving jobs in Tennessee.
“Manufacturing is the backbone of our state’s economy,” said Senator Hagerty. “Companies like Miller Industries not only represent the strength of American industry but also lead the way globally. I’m committed to ensuring Washington understands the impact of burdensome regulations and champions policies that foster growth and innovation.”
William G. Miller, CEO of Miller Industries, shared insights on how federal and state legislation directly influences their operations, pointing to recent developments like California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation.
“California’s ACT legislation, while well-intentioned, fails to account for the unique role of towing and recovery vehicles,” said Miller. “These vehicles often serve in emergency capacities — clearing roadways after accidents or breakdowns — and should be classified as such. Broad mandates without thoughtful exemptions create logistical and financial challenges that can ripple through the entire industry.”
Miller also expressed optimism about the company’s future and hinted at potential growth.
“Miller Industries has always been driven by innovation and a commitment to the communities we serve,” he added. “We’re exploring opportunities to expand both our product lines and footprint in the near future — and we’re excited about what that could mean for jobs and investment in Tennessee.”
Senator Hagerty’s visit concluded with a tour of Miller’s state-of-the-art facility, where he met with team members and learned about the advanced manufacturing processes that go into building the world’s most trusted towing equipment.