[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 111 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    HONORING BIMBA MANUFACTURING CO.

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                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 1997

  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bimba Manufacturing 
Co., who is celebrating 40 years of business and the retirement of the 
ESOP loan.
  Bimba Manufacturing was founded by Charles W. Bimba, Sr., the son of 
Barbara and Joe Bimba who came to America from Lithuania. While on a 
service call in Danville, IL, Mr. Bimba dreamed of developing a low 
cost, nonrepairable cylinder that would help enhance productivity. In 
1957, Mr. Bimba bought a 100-year-old barn in Monee, IL to start his 
company. By 1969, the 1,100 square foot barn had been expanded six 
times.
  Today, Bimba is employee-owned and remains the market leader in its 
field. Bimba Manufacturing has over 100 domestic and international 
distributors. In 1994, Bimba became the first cylinder manufacturer in 
North America to achieve certification from the ISO.
  Bimba Manufacturing is also recognized as a leader in employee 
relations. In 1986, every employee was given the option to participate 
in an employee stock ownership plan. This plan continues to this day. 
Every employee who is a participant in the plan has a direct financial 
stake in the company. As the company prospers, the value of the common 
stock increases. Bimba is also proud to have maintained a record free 
of layoffs during its entire history; such a record is hard to find in 
this day and age.
  I urge this body to identify and recognize other companies in their 
communities whose actions have so greatly benefited and enlightened 
America's working communities.

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