[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 110 (Wednesday, July 24, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1354]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE HONORING BETTCHER INDUSTRIES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PAUL E. GILLMOR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 24, 1996

  Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exciting news 
for a business in my district. Bettcher Industries of Vermilion. OH, is 
the proud recipient of the 1995 Industrial Engineers' Excellence in 
Productivity Improvement Award for the development and manufacturing of 
the Airshirz pneumatic scissors. Some past winners of this prestigious 
award have been: Boeing, Anheuser-Busch, Ford Motor Co. and Texas 
Instruments.
  The award is given in recognition of ``diligent and innovative 
achievements which increased productivity, eliminated human drudgery, 
and improved the quality of working life.'' Creation of the Airshirz 
pneumatic scissors dramatically increased worker productivity while 
reducing exposure to cumulative trauma disorders. After successfully 
introducing the Airshirz in the poultry processing industry in 1995, 
they have been installed in a range of industries where workers are 
involved in cutting light metals, fiberglass and flexible sheet, heavy 
fabrics, plastics, rubber, and other industrial materials.
  Ohio continues to be a leader in developing new products. The 
ergonomically designed, hand-held Airshirz scissors fit comfortable 
into the palm of the hand and are fully controllable by a finger loop 
similar to that of regular scissors. Because cutting power is delivered 
by air pressure, not the worker's hand, the gripping force and muscle 
activity required to perform tasks are dramatically reduced.
  Bettcher Industries is a company renowned for its civic pride and 
commitment to service. The company is not only a world-class performer, 
with offices in Switzerland, on the international stage, but a model 
citizen in its own community.
  Mr. Speaker, it is obvious that Ohio has greatly benefited from the 
efforts of the employees of Bettcher Industries. I ask my colleagues to 
join me today in recognizing the achievements of these dedicated 
achievers and encourage them to continue to uphold what has become the 
standard for excellence in America.

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