[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 11, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S10345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNIROYAL GOODRICH PLANT IN TUSCALOOSA, AL

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I rise today in honor of the 
Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Manufacturing facility in Tuscaloosa, AL, which 
is celebrating its 50th year of successful production and community 
service. For half a century, the Uniroyal Goodrich plant has been an 
important part of Tuscaloosa's economic and social fabric as well as a 
source of great pride within the community.
  For the last 50 years, the history of the Uniroyal Goodrich plant has 
reflected that of our Nation. In 1946, as our Nation was moving from 
wartime to a peacetime economy, BF Goodrich was leading the way, 
purchasing an unfinished tire plant from the Federal Government, and on 
October 23, 1946, rolling the first tire off the assembly line. Since 
then, a long series of ambitious modernizations and expansions have 
enabled the Tuscaloosa facility to keep pace with the constant business 
and technological innovations which have been the hallmark of American 
industry. Although Tuscaloosa's tire manufacturing plant began by 
producing belted bias tires in an 860,000-square-foot structure, today 
the facility is double its original size, 40 acres under one roof, and 
produces high performance radial tires 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  America's post-war success, like the success of the Tuscaloosa 
facility, has been a product of teamwork. In 1986, BF Goodrich joined 
forces with the Uniroyal Co. to produce high-quality tires. In 1990, 
the Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Co. became part of Michelin North America. 
This new team promises to be a leader in American industry for many 
years to come.
  The important role the Uniroyal Goodrich plant has played in the 
development of Tuscaloosa as a growing and prosperous community cannot 
be overstated. It is a rare Tuscaloosa family who does not have a 
father, son, brother, sister, or cousin who is a current or previous 
employee of the plant. The plant's first weekly payroll, back in 1946, 
was $542.23 for 12 employees. This payroll has grown to over $1.3 
million for 2,000 hard-working local men and women. This income rolls 
over many times in the local economy, benefiting all of Tuscaloosa's 
businesses and individuals.
  I am immensely grateful for, and proud of, the Uniroyal Goodrich Tire 
Manufacturing plant and the men and women who work hard there every 
day. On behalf of all Tuscaloosans, I would therefore like to 
congratulate the Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Manufacturing plant for 50 
years of outstanding production and community service. I wish them 
another 50 years of success and prosperity.

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