Case New Holland: Ex-Im Bank Chairman Hochberg tours Case New Holland plant in Racine

CONTACTS:

KELLY HRAJNOHA (CNH) 630-418-7142

LAURA NARVAIZ (NAM) 202-637-3104

NAM and CNH Co-Sponsor Event to Focus on Exports and Jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 16, 2010 – Chairman Fred Hochberg of the U.S. Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank) toured the Case New Holland (CNH) plant in Racine, Wisconsin today and spoke with CNH employees about the export credit agency’s role in expanding export opportunities that help maintain and create jobs in America. The event was co-sponsored by Case New Holland and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the nation’s largest national industrial trade association.

“I am delighted to tour Case New Holland’s plant today that manufactures world class agricultural equipment. Ex-Im Bank’s support of the growth of exports from CNH’s Racine plant and throughout the United States will help to achieve President Obama’s goal of doubling exports over the next five years,” said Chairman Fred Hochberg.

Linda Knoll, senior vice president of human resources, CNH and NAM board member, emphasized the importance of exports to CNH: “Exports already account for a significant part of CNH’s business, and we are always looking for opportunities to increase sales abroad. Not only does this strengthen our company, but it creates new U.S. jobs – both at CNH and at our supplier-partners nationwide. With the help of Ex-Im Bank, we aim to increase both: business and jobs.”

Manufacturers account for two-thirds of U.S. exports of goods and services. “In Wisconsin, manufactured goods exports account for nearly one in every five manufacturing jobs,” said Frank Vargo, NAM vice president of international economic policy. “The NAM is concerned about jobs and how quickly we can get America back to work. Boosting U.S. exports is one of the fastest ways to create more high-paying jobs in Wisconsin and the rest of the United States. The Ex-Im Bank plays an important role in helping U.S. companies turn export opportunities into real sales,” he said.

“U.S. export competitiveness also depends on opening up markets for our exports through U.S. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Half of all Wisconsin’s exports go to NAFTA, CAFTA, and other free trade partners. Wisconsin manufacturers and workers need Congress to approve more FTAs so we can export more and create more jobs,” Vargo stated.

The non-partisan, independent Milken Institute recently released the Jobs for America study (http://www.milkeninstitute.org), commissioned by the NAM, that shows modernizing U.S. export controls to enhance national security and increase exports in high-value areas could create 160,000 manufacturing jobs and expand total employment by 340,000 in the next decade.

CNH Global N.V. is a world leader in the agricultural and construction equipment businesses. Supported by more than 11,300 dealers in 170 countries, CNH brings together the knowledge and heritage of its Case and New Holland brand families with the strength and resources of its worldwide commercial, industrial, product support and finance organizations. CNH Global N.V., whose stock is listed at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:CNH), is a majority-owned subsidiary of Fiat S.p.A. (FIA.MI). More information about CNH and its Case and New Holland products can be found online at http://www.cnh.com.

The National Association of Manufacturers is the nation’s largest industrial trade association, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Visit http://www.nam.org for more information about manufacturing and the economy.