[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 116 (Thursday, August 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             KOVATCH GROUP CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 1, 1996

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my close 
personal friends, Mr. John J. ``Sonny'' Kovatch and his brother, 
Joseph. This month, their success as business leaders will be 
celebrated along with the 50th anniversary of their company, the 
Kovatch Group. A 3-day celebration of the Kovatch Group will begin 
tomorrow, and I am proud to be able to participate in these 
festivities.
  In 1946, Sonny and Joseph began a small business dedicated to 
providing first-rate speciality motor vehicles. Fifty years later, the 
Kovatch Group has grown into a network of 13 different companies which 
work together to manufacture and service speciality vehicles used all 
around the world.
  It is with great pride that I say that the international headquarters 
for the Kovatch Group is located in Nesquehoning, PA, in my 
congressional district. The complex sprawls over 65 acres and has over 
one-half million square feet under roof. More than 700 employees 
utilize a state-of-the-art computerized and automated assembly line to 
manufacture specialized vehicles designed to meet very specific needs 
of the Federal Government, military organizations, search and rescue 
crews, and heavy industry.
  Having established a reputation for first-rate vehicles of the 
highest caliber, the Kovatch business organization grew dramatically 
since its establishment 50 years ago. In the mid-1980's, Kovatch was 
selected to construct highly specialized vehicles for the U.S. 
military. When Kovatch completed the contract nearly 1 year ahead of 
schedule, the company became known worldwide, and orders for vehicles 
were regularly submitted to the company from every division of the U.S. 
military, numerous foreign governments, and private businesses from 
around the world. Today, Kovatch is considered the manufacturer of 
choice for military refueling trucks and firefighting apparatus.

  Whether we realize it or not, most of us have seen the vehicles 
produced by the Kovatch Co. Chances are the brave men and women 
responding to local emergencies utilize the rescue trucks, ambulances, 
pumpers, tankers, and aerial ladder trucks manufactured by Kovatch 
employees. The company can boast of having provided specialized 
vehicles to government agencies, volunteer fire and rescue teams, and 
private businesses from Eastport, ME, to Fairbanks, AK.
  During the last decade, the Kovatch organization has experienced 
tremendous success because it has sought to integrate qualified workers 
with innovative engineering and modern manufacturing techniques. 
Together, Sonny and Joe have shown me that there really is no 
substitute for quality products designed and manufactured by American 
workers.
  Mr. Speaker, I am not alone in recognizing the leadership of Kovatch 
Group for its success. Last year, Sonny was selected as the 1995 Master 
Entrepreneur of the Year for central Pennsylvania by a consortium of 
leading businesses including Ernst and Young, Sprint, and Merrill 
Lynch. Sonny was chosen for this award based on his ability to ensure 
continued success for the Kovatch Group over an extended period of 
time. Given that Sonny has been at the helm of the Kovatch Group since 
its founding 50 years ago, and has guided the company through both good 
and bad economic times, he is truly deserving of this award and 
recognition.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to highlight the accomplishments of my good 
friends, Sonny and Joe Kovatch. The work of these business leaders is 
an example of the true entrepreneurial spirit that has made our country 
the greatest Nation in the world. Sonny and Joe have proven that hard 
work and ingenuity are the key ingredients of success. I am proud to 
join with their families, friends, and the community in congratulating 
the Kovatch brothers on their many successes.

                          ____________________