[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 105 (Wednesday, September 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1522]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING LOUISIANA EMPLOYER BAKER OIL TOOLS--THE FIRST RECIPIENT OF THE 
  MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP OF LOUISIANA'S ANNUAL PACE AWARD

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                         HON. CHRISTOPHER JOHN

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 7, 2004

  Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, our local employers are dedicated contributors 
to our local economies. Each day our local manufacturers not only 
produce valuable products in our communities, they employ the skills of 
area workers and resources to get the job done. Manufacturers like the 
one I am recognizing today are committed to success, and their success 
directly benefits our communities.
  One such local manufacturer is Baker Oil Tools located in Lafayette, 
Louisiana. Baker Oil Tools is a leader in oilfield services and today 
they are being honored by the Manufacturing Extension Partnership of 
Louisiana (MEPoL) with the first-ever Platinum Award for Continued 
Excellence (PACE Award).
  MEPoL--a non-profit business resource based at the University of 
Louisiana at Lafayette--has a distinguished history of providing 
business and technical assistance to manufacturing firms throughout the 
State of Louisiana. They have worked with over 550 Louisiana 
businesses--including Baker Oil Tools--since 1997 to increase the 
productivity and profitability of their clients.
  MEPoL educated, encouraged and empowered Baker Oil Tools to embrace 
the principles of `Lean Manufacturing,' a systematic approach to 
identifying and eliminating waste in the manufacturing process through 
continuous improvement. This efficient approach enabled the 
organizational advancements that led to the receipt of this prestigious 
award.
  Thanks to a committed workforce and leadership dedicated to 
excellence, Baker Oil Tools has made significant advances in driving 
productivity, quality and technology throughout their organization. 
Baker Oil Tools is a local manufacturing leader and this award is an 
outstanding achievement.
  Congratulations to Baker Oil Tools on receipt of MEPoL's first annual 
PACE award and to their long standing commitment to the people and 
prosperity of our community.

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