COLUMBUS, OH – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer visited Columbus Monday to highlight significant investments by Anheuser-Busch and McDonald’s aimed at bolstering manufacturing and workforce development in the United States. The announcements come as President Trump continues fighting to revitalize the economy by reducing America’s $1.2 trillion trade deficit and creating jobs in critical industries that have been left behind, including manufacturing.Anheuser-BuschDuring a press conference Monday morning, Anheuser-Busch announced a $300 million manufacturing investment through its “Brewing Futures” initiative. A key component of this investment is a new regional Technical Excellence Center in Columbus, expanding a successful program that has advanced skills training for more than 1,200 employees since 2022.“Anheuser-Busch is demonstrating exactly what it means to put American workers first,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer said. “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.”Learn more about the announcement on Anheuser-Busch’s website.McDonald’sThe Secretary joined McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger to mark a milestone at a restaurant in Lewis Center, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the company’s Archways to Opportunity educational program. Over the past decade, the program has created opportunities for over 90,000 restaurant crew members – helping them through high school, pay for college, and  more by providing over $240 million in tuition assistance.Additionally, McDonald’s and its franchisees announced a pledge to hire up to 375,000 workers for the summer, adding to their existing team of nearly 800,000. The company currently has more than 14,000 locations nationwide and touts a total GDP impact of $76 billion.“Investments and milestones like these add momentum to our job market and help create a more capable workforce,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “I would like to thank Joe and his entire team for empowering franchisees, supporting our workers, and investing in America. It’s an honor to celebrate an occasion that is sure to bring great success for our economy and the American worker.”Watch the full press conference. Union RoundtableSecretary Chavez-DeRemer also stopped by Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters’ Columbus facility, where she met students and held a roundtable discussion with building trades and first responder unions. The group talked about President Trump’s executive orders on artificial intelligence and apprenticeships, OSHA safety standards, deregulation to drive economic growth, and police recruitment. Central Midwest Carpenters have around 2,300 apprentices in Ohio and are involved in over 200 schools.