[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1710]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      GE WATERFORD, NEW YORK FACILITY CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 10, 1997

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, it's not often that I can give my 
wholehearted congratulations to a corporation that, after taking a 
chance on a new technology, has not only prospered but has become a 
fixture in our local landscape. I couldn't be speaking of any business 
other than GE Silicones.
  Fifty years ago, General Electric scientists made a breakthrough 
discovery. They found a way to create a group of products that were so 
versatile and could withstand such high degrees of heat that they were 
unlike any other seen before. Realizing the immediate potential for 
these compounds, GE began construction on a new manufacturing facility 
designed to develop new applications for silicones. The company chose 
to locate in a small, rural town called Waterford, accessible by both 
the Hudson River and the D&H Railroad.
  Today, that company has grown into a global business that is 3,000 
employees strong and has manufacturing and sales facilities throughout 
the world. A $1 billion a year enterprise, GE makes more than 2,000 
different silicone products which are used in a variety of industries, 
including electronics, automobiles, personal and health care, and 
textiles. It's almost unbelievable that one group of products can be 
used in so many different ways.
  And GE Silicones serves as a vital part of the capital region's 
economy. Employing 1,500 people locally, the company is a significant 
contributor to the fiscal strength and stability of our area.
  But even as the company continues to expand, GE Silicones has not 
forgotten the community that serves as its base of operations. I 
couldn't be more pleased to hear of the company's donations to the 
Village Fire Department and public library in honor of its 50th 
anniversary celebration. This is just one more example of the company's 
commitment to be a responsible and caring neighbor.
  On this 50th anniversary, and with much appreciation I congratulate 
GE Silicones and thank General Electric for its continued investment to 
our community.

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