U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer visited Columbus, Ohio, to discuss significant investments by Anheuser-Busch and McDonald's aimed at enhancing manufacturing and workforce development in the United States. These announcements align with President Trump's ongoing efforts to revitalize the economy by reducing the nation's $1.2 trillion trade deficit and creating jobs in key industries such as manufacturing.
Anheuser-Busch announced a $300 million investment through its "Brewing Futures" initiative during a press conference on Monday morning. This investment includes establishing a new regional Technical Excellence Center in Columbus, expanding a program that has advanced skills training for over 1,200 employees since 2022.
"Anheuser-Busch is demonstrating exactly what it means to put American workers first," said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. "They have been a shining example of what 'Made in America' means, and their latest investment of $300 million builds on a longtime commitment to grow our workforce and expand U.S. manufacturing."
McDonald's USA President Joe Erlinger joined Secretary Chavez-DeRemer to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the company's Archways to Opportunity educational program at a restaurant in Lewis Center. Over the past decade, this program has provided opportunities for more than 90,000 restaurant crew members by helping them complete high school and pay for college with over $240 million in tuition assistance.
Additionally, McDonald's and its franchisees pledged to hire up to 375,000 workers for the summer, adding to their current team of nearly 800,000 employees across more than 14,000 locations nationwide.
"Investments and milestones like these add momentum to our job market and help create a more capable workforce," Chavez-DeRemer stated. "I would like to thank Joe and his entire team for empowering franchisees, supporting our workers, and investing in America."
Secretary Chavez-DeRemer also visited Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters’ Columbus facility for a roundtable discussion with building trades and first responder unions. The discussions covered topics such as President Trump's executive orders on artificial intelligence and apprenticeships, OSHA safety standards, deregulation for economic growth, and police recruitment.
Central Midwest Carpenters have approximately 2,300 apprentices in Ohio involved with over 200 schools.
