U.S. Rep. John Tanner has been notified that the United States Postal Service has changed its uniform manufacturing policies. Tanner said the change means postal uniforms will be manufactured in the United States, assuring that companies like Fechheimer/Martin Manufacturing will continue to produce USPS uniform items.

Congressman Tanner has been discussing the issue with the Postal Service for months, arguing that overseas manufacturers threatened the business of companies like Fechheimer/Martin Manufacturing. The latest correspondence was a Postal Service memo to Tanner notifying him of the change in USPS policy.

"The Postal Service’s labor relations officials tell us that only manufacturing plants in the United States will be certified to manufacture postal uniforms," Tanner said. "The Postal Service will only buy bottom wear, shirts and blouses from U.S. companies like Fechheimer/Martin Manufacturing."

Tanner said that after months of telephone calls, written correspondence and office meetings, he was glad the U.S. Postal Service put its policy change in writing.

"I want to thank the folks at the U.S. Postal Service for being receptive to our concerns and working with us to settle this dispute," Tanner said. "After hours of conversation and negotiations, we have been successful in getting the Postal Service to continue buying its uniforms from U.S. manufacturers like Fechheimer/Martin Manufacturing.

"I have visited the men and women who work at Fechheimer/Martin Manufacturing. I believe in the quality work they do, and I know how important it is to the economy in our community."

Tanner represents Tennessee’s 8^th Congressional District.