[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 145 (Thursday, October 16, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2063]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              ALLEN-BRADLEY BRAND MARKS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 16, 2003

  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, on January 30, 2003 Rockwell Automation, a 
world-leading provider of industrial automation power, control and 
information solutions, began a year-long celebration of the centennial 
anniversary of the Allen-Bradley Brand. This outstanding company has a 
rich history and has made major contributions to the automation 
industry. Allen-Bradley has also played a significant role as a major 
employer and contributor to the economic and cultural growth of the 
city of Milwaukee.
  The extraordinary transformation story of Allen-Bradley starts with 
the humble beginnings of two young Bradley brothers starting their 
business in an office over a delicatessen located on Milwaukee's near 
south side. Today, Rockwell Automation International Inc. has become a 
$4 billion industry leader with more than 22,000 employees in 450 
locations around the world--serving customers in more than 80 
countries. This story typifies the American dream and a dream realized 
beyond expectation.
  In 1893 Lynde Bradley at the age of fifteen invented a compression 
rheostat that had the capability of regulating electrical current. His 
friend Dr. Stanton Allen offered to invest a thousand dollars to 
develop a prototype crane controller, which would use the newly 
invented rheostat control, and a business was born. Subsequently Lynde 
Bradley and Dr. Allen formed Compression Rheostat in 1903. In 1910 the 
company was renamed Allen-Bradley. After a series of dissolutions, 
mergers, and acquisitions Rockwell International purchased the company 
in 1985 for $1.651 billion, the largest acquisition in the history of 
the state of Wisconsin.
  Since the start of this company there has been a pioneering spirit 
that valued innovation, creativity and a constant striving for 
excellence in products. This spirit has driven the company for 100 
years.
  The Allen-Bradley Brand is a symbol of great corporate strength, pre-
eminence in the industrial controls field and an outstanding example of 
on-going and continuous support of the Milwaukee community. Thank you 
and congratulations on this 100th anniversary and continued success in 
the future.

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