[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 49 (Thursday, April 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO BUTLER MANUFACTURING COMPANY

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                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 4, 2001

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in salute to the 
Butler Manufacturing Company and its 100 years of service and 
leadership to Greater Kansas City, the United States, and countries 
abroad. Throughout the last century, Butler Manufacturing has remained 
steadfast in its commitment to providing quality products and services 
worldwide. I am proud to recognize their achievements.
  Butler Manufacturing Company, founded in 1901 by innovators Emanuel 
Norquist and Charles Butler is now one of the world's leading providers 
of commercial and industrial construction services. Their first Butler 
building, completed in 1910, stood in use in central Kansas City for 
over 45 years. With the successful introduction of a sturdy two car 
version of the garage, Butler Manufacturing was in the building 
business to stay because the market demand was so great. With the 
passing of each decade, Butler Manufacturing has remained on the 
cutting edge of the nonresidential construction market. The 1920s were 
devoted to determining customers' needs and satisfying those needs with 
personal service, concepts that worked successfully for Butler's grain 
bins. In the 1930s, Butler answered the call from the U.S. Department 
of Agriculture by mass-producing 14,500 galvanized steel grain bins in 
under 59 days; one day ahead of schedule. By the 1940s, Butler 
Manufacturing had a complete line of rigid frame buildings ready to 
market. The 1950s brought about enormous change and growth within the 
company with the formation of five product divisions; two of which, 
commercial, industrial and institutional end users, and rural 
buildings, continue to be the strength of the company today. Marked as 
a decade of enhancement and expansion, the 1960s ushered in new 
technologies and advancements such as construction components which 
allowed for frames with wider, longer, and lower slopes. In the 1970s, 
Butler extended the long-term value of buildings by making them 
virtually weathertight and advanced traditional ideas on pre-
engineering buildings through such innovations as Multi-Story, Long 
Span, and the distinct look of Landmark, which all were pioneering 
steps in the advancement of building systems. The 1980s were a time of 
acquisitions for Butler as they sought to grow new markets and increase 
market share in existing businesses. Throughout the 1980s into the mid-
1990s, acquisitions were made to expand Butler's architectural and 
aluminum market presence. Today, Butler Manufacturing has gained 
multinational recognition and continues to be a leader in business 
worldwide, including presence in South America, Europe, the Middle East 
and Asia, while remaining dedicated to the core ideals of excellence 
and teambuilding, on which the company was founded. These ideals are 
also responsible for Butler's being named the recipient of the 
prestigious 2000 Paragon Award by the Human Resource Management 
Association of Greater Kansas City. Noted for their excellent practices 
in a broad range of human resource issues, the recognition of Butler's 
mentoring program highlights a continued commitment to the Greater 
Kansas City community as well.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join with me today in celebrating Butler 
Manufacturing Company's 100 years of innovation, customer service, and 
quality that founded and continues to sustain this company's place as a 
leader in manufacturing in America and the global community.

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