U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby toured Kumi Manufacturing in Clanton on Thursday as part of a plan to visit a business in every county in the state.

“Job creation must be our top priority as a nation, and it will be the focus of my statewide travel,” Shelby said in a release prior to the stop in Chilton County. “It is critical that I hear firsthand from job creators and workers how federal policies are affecting economic growth, and what we can do to create more jobs in Alabama. These conversations with my constituents have always played a critical role in informing how I vote on issues before the Senate, and I look forward to traveling the state again this year.”

KMA officials showed Shelby a slideshow presentation about the history of the company, sales and growth of the workforce, according to Fred Crawford, Chilton County Industrial Development coordinator, who was present at the visit.

Then, the senator was given a tour of the facility.

“It’s great that Sen. Shelby visited one of our employers in the county,” Crawford said. “His concern over increased employment and trade issues is very rewarding.”

Shelby said he visits all 67 Alabama counties each year, beginning in January. This year, he decided to visit business large and small.

“I want to know what makes them tick and how I can help them grow,” he said. “My policies are pro-business–what creates jobs, what creates opportunities in business. This gives me a chance to figure out, how do we grow this economy.”

So far, Shelby said his tour has shown him that the United States needs to invest more money in education to train the workforce. He mentioned technical schools specifically.

“So much of today’s world in manufacturing has to do with computers,” Shelby said. “It’s not like 30 years ago or even 20 years ago. The more skills you have, the better your chances to get a job.”