TORONTO -- Celestica's improving financial position will allow it to move ahead on plans to add to its health-care and "green" business segments, the company's CEO said.

WASHINGTON -- New orders for durable goods slipped in March, falling 1.3% to $176.7 billion, the US Department of Commerce said, as demand for civilian aerospace and certain transportation goods dragged down the rest of the index.

WASHINGTON – “Manufacturers are pleased the administration is moving forward with changes to modernize the current Cold-war era system. We are particularly encouraged by the announcement of a single control list and a unified information technology platform, but we believe the administration must also move forward on near- and medium-term reforms along the way to creating a single agency.”

So said Frank Vargo, the National Association of Manufacturers’ VP for international economic affairs, in a prepared response to Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ speech on the administration’s export control reform proposals.

In the press statement, Vargo added, “The creation of a new agency to administer a modern export control regime will only be a success if it includes the implementation of a workable transition plan and near- and medium-term reforms.”

The NAM proposed near- and medium-term recommendations earlier this year, along with a blueprint for fundamental reform, Vargo continued. He believes these reforms are critical to addressing immediate national security, industrial base, and manufacturing imperatives.

Manufacturers had hoped the administration’s proposals would include details about “implementation of the intra-company transfer, a renewed focus on small- and medium-sized manufacturers, and a streamlined approach for licensing to support US government programs involving allies.”    

The NAM will “continue to urge implementation of near- and medium-term reforms, while working toward a fundamental makeover of the system” to “enhance US national security, support the industrial base and reach the president’s goal of doubling exports within five years.”