[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 156 (Saturday, November 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2235-E2236]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COLLINS AND AIKMAN FLOORCOVERINGS: A COMPANY MAKING STRIDES IN 
                         ENVIRONMENT, EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. NATHAN DEAL

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 7, 1997

  Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, as a member of both the Commerce 
Subcommittee on Health and Environment well as the House Education and 
the Workforce Committee, I am particularly interested in programs and 
achievements in education and the environment. Preserving our 
environment and educating our work force are challenges our Government 
cannot meet alone. It is important for those of us concerned about 
these issues to develop partnerships to help meet our responsibilities 
to society. This past summer, I had the opportunity to tour Collins and 
Aikman Floorcoverings in my ninth district of Georgia. Located in 
Dalton, the company manufactures commercial carpets and tiles.
  Collins and Aikman is an example of a company that has discovered 
solutions to preserve the environment by being the first to recycle 
carpeting. Using 100 percent of the used carpet that it reclaims, 
Collins and Aikman produces the only high-performance carpet that 
contains a significant amount of recycled content. The product has the 
same performance characteristics and warranties as new carpet and sells 
for the same price. Further, the recycled content carpet is itself 100 
percent recyclable, creating the opportunity for an infinite cycle of 
use.
  These achievements signify that manufacturers can produce successful 
recycled products without compromising design, quality, or price as 
well as preserve the environment. Companies that go beyond compliance 
to achieve new benchmarks in resource and energy conservation should be 
commended, This holistic approach to environmental responsibility and 
accountability protect our resources for future generations.
  This technological breakthrough involved the ingenuity and dedication 
of all Collins and Aikman employees. Through trial and error testing 
and development, this product became a reality. Special training and 
education programs are the key. The innovative Collins and

[[Page E2236]]

Aikman Pacesetters program is designed to orient new employees--from 
hourly wage earners to top level management--in the company. The 
outdoor adventure program builds team work, respect, and problemsolving 
skills. During my tour, I learned that this program broke down barriers 
for employees, making them feel part of a team and company right away.

  A second educational effort within Collins and Aikman is its 
continuous, internal GED program. The company decided that instead of 
sending employees out to classes, it would bring the classes to the 
employees. Like Pacesetters, this program has helped develop an 
empowered, creative work force. Teachers conduct classes in a room set 
on the factory floor. Classes are held 2 days a week in 2-hour shifts, 
and participants go to class on the clock during work hours.
  Since the company started this program 5 years ago, 115 employees--25 
percent of the Collins and Aikman hourly work force--have earned high 
school equivalences. They have become part of the central core of 
trained employees who manage high-technology equipment and make daily, 
critical decisions that companies depend upon to stay competitive. 
Going back to school has been made easier for employees, and the 
resulting self-esteem and pride are immeasurable. Productivity and 
quality of work have improved yearly, and the trained work force has 
been instrumental in breakthrough discoveries such as the closed loop 
carpet recycling program.
  As testament to these successes, Collins and Aikman Floorcoverings 
has recently been awarded the Success Track Outstanding Employer Award 
from the Georgia Department of Labor. I am pleased to bring these 
innovative examples in corporate leadership to your attention. Such 
environmental and educational practices help prepare our country for 
the challenges of the 21st century.

                          ____________________