[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING BENTELER OF GOSHEN, INDIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM ROEMER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 1997

  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I share with 
our colleagues today a milestone reached by an important business in 
the Third District of Indiana. Today, Benteler Automotive Corp. of 
Goshen, IN will receive an outstanding quality award from Honda of 
America Manufacturing. Benteler will receive this recognition for 
exceeding Honda's quality targets by greater than 50 percent in 1996.
  Mr. Speaker, only 16 of Honda's 380 suppliers are receiving this 
award. This deserving accolade is in recognition of Benteler's 
performance in its impact management systems product line, namely steel 
doorbeams which are placed in front and rear doors to prevent 
passengers from injury in side-impact collisions. The ceremony took 
place this morning at the Benteler Plant in Goshen, and Honda presented 
the award to Benteler employees who were joined by community officials 
in celebration.
  Benteler started out small, incorporating with just a few people in 
1980 but growing to some 1,800 employees today. Benteler uses state-of-
the-art technologies in manufacturing chassis systems, front exhaust 
systems and impact management systems for worldwide distribution. The 
award today is ongoing evidence that they are leaders in these fields. 
They have related facilities in Goshen and in Grand Rapids and 
Kalamazoo, MI, and another in Fort Wayne, IN. Annual U.S. sales exceed 
$300 million in the United States, and reach about $2.5 billion 
worldwide. Benteler's market niches include passenger safety, fuel 
economy, and environmental protection through emissions control. The 
process of creating quality products in a successful business that 
improve quality of life is not to be found everyday, and we can learn 
from the successful efforts of Benteler and its employees.
  Mr. Speaker, Benteler's proud heritage extends around the world, from 
Indiana and Michigan, to Europe, to Mexico and through Asia. The 
original company was founded by visionary Carl Benteler in 1876, and 
today is one of the largest steel producers and automotive suppliers in 
Europe. The Benteler worldwide network of companies encompasses 27 
worldwide plants and agencies, and employs over 11,000.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to acknowledge the accomplishments of the 
Benteler facility in Goshen, IN. I am honored to help recognize the 
accomplishments of the Benteler employees on this significant occasion 
in being recognized for excellence in manufacturing. They are a shining 
example of Hoosier dedication to hard work and quality. I know they are 
proud of this accomplishment, and I am pleased to add to the praise 
they receive from family, friends, and community.

                          ____________________