A Domestic Manufacturing Success Story
Michigan Manufacturing Lobbying Case Study
Supporting Michigan Jobs & Protecting U.S. Manufacturing
Background
Sun Chemical’s Muskegon facility has manufactured the yellow pigment used in traffic paint for nearly 50 years and is the nation’s last remaining domestic manufacturer of this critical safety material. With 96% of yellow road paint in the U.S. relying on imported pigment from China and India, the Muskegon plant is emblematic of a decimated domestic chemical industry.
The plant is a major local employer generating family-supporting jobs for 120+ workers, and tax revenue for essential services. The facility also provides unique environmental and community benefits by safely using contaminated well water from an adjacent Superfund site in its manufacturing process and pre‑treating it before routing it to final treatment—providing savings to Muskegon County residents.
Overall, the Muskegon site drives an estimated $24.5M in local annual economic impact, underscoring why sustaining U.S. pigment manufacturing matters to jobs, local services, and long‑term regional prosperity.
Leaders at Sun Chemical were determined to sustain and grow U.S.-based manufacturing to support their employees, and they looked for policy solutions at the state and federal levels to encourage domestic production.
Challenge
For years, Sun Chemical has faced market and policy headwinds threatening the longevity of U.S.‑made pigment. State and federal procurement laws have not required U.S.‑manufactured yellow pigment for traffic paint, despite this policy applying to other road project materials. The 2024 election provided an opportunity to work for change at the federal and state level. Michigan would be the proving grounds for future federal policy. Early momentum in Lansing created a surprise obstacle: both House and Senate subcommittee transportation budgets initially included supportive language that, as written, would not have been enforceable. The appropriations process then extended beyond the statutory July 1 budget deadline, increasing uncertainty and complexity.
Solution
- Partnered with Sun Chemical to provide plant tours for legislators and facilitated in‑person and virtual meetings with decision‑makers in Lansing to highlight Sun Chemical’s role in local employment, roadway safety, and environmental stewardship.
- Identified legislative champions to carry Sun Chemical’s message to negotiations.
- Proposed clear, compliant language requiring state‑funded traffic projects to use yellow road paint made with yellow pigment manufactured in the United States – and worked with decision-makers to correct the initial House and Senate budget language.
- Continued engaging legislative leaders throughout the extended budget process to preserve momentum and bipartisan support.
Outcome
Governor Whitmer signed the state budget into law with appropriate Buy‑America‑aligned language for yellow pigment – helping secure a resilient domestic supply of a critical safety material, supporting Michigan jobs, and reinforcing Sun Chemical’s ongoing environmental contributions.
Our Results In The News
Gov. Whitmer Signs Balanced, Bipartisan FY26 Budget
Alliance for American Manufacturing: Is Our Road Paint Made in America?
Sun Chemical: A Domestic Manufacturing Success Story
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