(CNN) -- As Germany continues to rise as lead survivor -- and decision-maker -- in the European Union's economic mire, the U.S. would do well to take a lesson from the country's economic model, particularly in manufacturing. Losing 4 million jobs over the past 10 years, U.S. manufacturing has hovered at roughly 12% of America's GDP, less than half its percentage in the 1950s. In Germany, however, manufacturing is well on its way toward 25% of GDP. President Barack Obama's pledge this week to lower manufacturing sector taxes to 25%, and January's U.S. manufacturing growth numbers, the highest in seven months, will certainly help stem the tide. But, clearly, a word to the wise is in order.
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U.S. manufacturing lost 4 million jobs over past 10 years, accounts for only 12% of GDP
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Writers: Germany recovered quickly from the economic crisis by keeping its skilled work force
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German industry is 25% of its GDP, they write, and focuses on high-quality goods
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Writers: German industry has unions, offers high wages and is its most successful sector
In the face of global competition, @placeholder manufacturing workers' representation remains strong.