[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 131 (Tuesday, November 16, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1988]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 IN RECOGNITION OF EMPIRE CITY IRON WORKS ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 100TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 2004

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the achievements of 
Empire City Iron Works, the oldest and largest steelmaker in New York 
City. For the past 100 years, Empire City Iron Works has played an 
integral role in developing New York's distinctive urban landscape. At 
a time when many of its competitors are struggling, Empire City's 
specialized service and ability to adapt to changing market conditions 
make it a model for new businesses in the region.
  Empire City Iron Works was established in 1904 by Leopold Heffner, an 
ironworker who immigrated to the United States from Austria. Early in 
its history, Empire City produced cast iron frames and covers for coal-
delivery holes installed in New York City sidewalks, some of which 
remain to this day. During World War II, Empire City's employees worked 
diligently to provide supplies to the U.S. Navy, constructing 
ammunition boxes and gun racks, as well as watertight doors for ships 
produced in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. In later years, Empire City made 
enormous contributions to New York City's power grid, one of the most 
reliable networks in the country. In cooperation with Consolidated 
Edison, the company built almost every power plant in the New York 
metropolitan area.
  Today, Empire City Iron Works furnishes and installs a wide range of 
metal products including steel pan and ornamental stairs, structural 
steel, railings and walkways. On occasion, it works directly with 
artists, cutting and fitting pieces to create sculptures according to 
the artist's specifications. The company has also undertaken a number 
of high-profile projects in recent years, such as the extensive 
renovation of the Museum of Modern Art and the construction of the 
first new building at the World Trade Center site. With projects 
ranging from the Time Warner Center in Manhattan to the Atlantic Center 
Mall in Brooklyn, Empire Iron Works continues to thrive; at present, it 
has more than 75 employees at its factory in Long Island City, Queens.
  Mr. Speaker, I respectfully request that my distinguished colleagues 
join me in paying tribute to this fine company and its exceptional work 
in New York City. I wish the management and employees of Empire City 
Iron Works another 100 years of success.

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