[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 128 (Tuesday, November 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2020]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO LATICRETE INTERNATIONAL, INC. AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR 50TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 14, 2006

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to join the 
Bethany community and the Rothberg family in celebrating the 50th 
anniversary of Laticrete International, Inc., a worldwide manufacturer 
and marketer of material and methods for the installation of ceramic 
tile and stone. Throughout their 50-year history, Laticrete has been 
the leader in innovative technologies for such installation systems. 
Their impressive history of vision and leadership, coupled with their 
dedication to quality products, has made them one of the most 
successful businesses in our community.
  Founded in 1956 by Henry M. Rothberg, a chemical engineer by trade, 
Latricrete came into being when he brought the improvements of 
chemistry to the normal Portland cement based installation systems for 
tile and stone. It was while managing a family tile, terrazzo and 
marble installation company that the problems inherent to installing 
these materials with the traditional ``full mortar bed'' became more 
and more evident to Henry. He decided to dedicate himself to research 
into alternate methods of installing ceramic tile and stone. While 
consulting with the Chemical Division of the U.S. Rubber Company, he 
developed a unique compound that had all the properties of natural 
rubber--elasticity, water resistance and durability, plus the 
properties necessary to make it viable to the construction industry--
resistance to frost and heat damage, the ability to mix with Portland 
cement and remain plastic for adequate working time and the ability to 
be stored in full or partial containers for extended periods of time 
without deterioration or spoilage. The new latex was introduced to the 
market as ``LATICRETE.'' It has been upon these pioneering efforts that 
all modern adhesives utilizing the Adhesive Mortar Method have been 
built.
  The innovative products of Laticrete have been used in some of the 
most recognizable national treasures in the world. Here in the United 
States, Laticrete products were used in the construction of such 
monuments as the St. Louis Arch, the Detroit Renaissance Center, the 
Sears Tower, and Washington, DC's Metro System. Laticrete products can 
also be found in the Basilica of Our Lady Peace of the Ivory Coast in 
Africa, the Petronas Twin Tower of Kuala Lumpur, Tele Diffusion de 
France in Paris, and the National Mosque of Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia. 
What began as one man's vision of improving a product has become an 
international leader in the industry--that is what Yankee ingenuity is 
all about.
  Perhaps what is most special about Laticrete is that it has become a 
family business that has been passed on to the next generation. In 2003 
David Rothberg was named chairman and CEO, replacing his father as head 
of the company. I have had the pleasure of meeting David and have had 
the opportunity to tour the Laticrete facility in Bethany. Their 
tireless commitment to quality and vision is not only impressive, it is 
inspiring.
  I am honored to take this moment and recognize the innovative and 
entrepreneurial spirit of Henry Rothberg as well as David Rothberg and 
the entire Laticrete family for their many invaluable contributions to 
the industry.
  My heartfelt congratulations to them as they celebrate this very 
special anniversary. I have no doubt that Laticrete will continue in 
its success for many years to come.

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