Editor,

U.S. businesses are at a competitive disadvantage in the global marketplace. With one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world and a system that penalizes companies for investing money earned abroad, the U.S. tax code is in need of reform.

I manage the North Berwick plant for Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corporation (UTC). We design, manufacture, and service aircraft engines, auxiliary and ground power units, and small turbojet propulsion products – and we do a lot of that work right here in Maine. We employ more than 1,900 people in North Berwick.

Pratt & Whitney and UTC appreciate the consistent support from Senator Susan Collins for Maine’s manufacturing sector and we are particularly appreciative of the Senator’s vote in favor of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

With significant and long-standing operations in North Berwick, we know what it feels like fighting an uphill battle against global competitors based in countries with tax codes designed to help them compete, not hold them back.

UTC and the U.S. economy will benefit from a tax system that is simple, fair and competitive.

The reforms in H.R. 1 will allow companies like ours to bring home earnings from abroad to invest in research and development, advanced manufacturing, energy efficiency and workforce initiatives. Thanks to Senator Collins’ leadership and support, we are very hopeful that comprehensive tax reform will be enacted into law in the near future.

Pratt & Whitney has an incredible future, driven by our revolutionary engine, the geared turbofan, and the military’s F-35 program. We plan to hire thousands of people over the next several years across our U.S. operations, and this tax reform will further support our efforts to help keep the U.S. a global leader in manufacturing and technology.

Patrick Regan

General Manager, North Berwick

Pratt & Whitney