[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 77 (Wednesday, June 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1023]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATIONS TO KENNAMETAL INC.'S MINING AND CONSTRUCTION DIVISION 
                       FOR 50 YEARS OF OPERATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 11, 2002

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kennametal 
Inc.'s Mining and Construction Division for celebrating 50 years of 
operation and being inducted in the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce 
Business Hall of Fame. The manufacturing facility that houses this 
division, which opened its doors on April 7, 1958, is the oldest 
manufacturing facility in Bedford County and has been an example of 
business excellence since its conception. The Bedford facility boasts 
an impressive record of sales accomplishments that include, being 
ranked number one in the world for the sale of construction and mining 
tools and shipping and selling their products to more than 31 countries 
around the world. Their total sales are projected to be approximately 
$150 million by the end of the fiscal year, June 30, 2002.
  Great companies can only continue down the path of success if they 
are lead by dedicated and reliable employees. Kennametal is an example 
of how the people make the institution great. The Bedford plant began 
in 1952 with 12 employees and now hosts 388 employees that are involved 
in all aspects of the plant's operational success and contribute to the 
betterment of their community as well. Over the past 20 years, the 
employees of Kennametal have given more than $70,000 to Bedford Area 
charities and community organizations. President George W. Bush, in his 
last State of the Union Address, challenged all of us to give two years 
or 4,000 hours of service over our lifetimes. The employees of 
Kennametal are meeting this challenge by serving as active volunteers 
for many organizations such as volunteer fire companies, emergency 
medical services, church groups, youth athletics and more.
  This country was built on ingenuity, hard work, and the desire to 
succeed; all necessary ingredients to be a successful business in 
today's market. These businesses are a vital component to the fabric of 
society because they contribute resources, jobs, and products that help 
develop good communities for not just the employees, but their 
neighbors as well. It is important for our businesses to be responsible 
citizens, by sharing their success, they help communities prosper along 
with industry. Kennametal, over the last 50 years, has demonstrated how 
this type of partnership can allow progress within the company and the 
community.
  I congratulate Kennametal's Bedford Facility for 50 years of success 
and I wish them many more in the future.

                          ____________________