[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 143 (Wednesday, October 20, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S12946]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF DOUGLAS C. STRAIN

 Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I am pleased today to recognize the 
55th anniversary of Electro Scientific Industries, Incorporated, ESI, 
and to honor the accomplishments of Mr. Douglas C. Strain, ESI's 
founder and first president and chairman of ESI's board.
  Established in Portland in 1944, ESI was among the first high-
technology companies in Oregon. Since that time, ESI has grown into a 
global leader in the manufacturer of precision laser trimmers and 
memory repair equipment, as well as a worldwide supplier of electronic 
production equipment. From humble beginnings, ESI has become a $200 
million company, employing more than 900 individuals in Oregon and 
around the world, and helping to establish Oregon as one of this 
country's high-tech capitals.
  Accomplishments such as these are often born of tough challenges. 
Having overcome a devastating fire in the 1950's, ESI had to rebuild 
itself from the ground up, and has had to re-invent itself on a number 
of occasions since that time. The company has proven itself adept at 
adapting to the fast-pace that characterizes the high-technology 
sector. From test and calibration equipment, electron microscopy, and 
analog computing to laser trimming, memory repair and vision, handling, 
packaging, and drilling technologies, ESI products have always been at 
the leading edge of technology developments.
  I especially pay tribute to a remarkable Oregonian, Electro 
Scientific's founder, Mr. Douglas C. Strain. On October 24, Doug will 
celebrate both his 80th birthday and his retirement from ESI's board of 
directors. Mr. Strain's vision and perseverance have brought the 
company successfully to the end of this century, and I believe that ESI 
will continue on with equal success well into the next century. I 
congratulate Doug on his accomplishments and wish him the very best as 
he undertakes new challenges in his life.

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