[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 44 (Friday, March 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E433]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO RIVERSIDE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR JOHNSON MACHINERY

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                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 14, 2008

  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
an organization whose contributions to the community of Riverside, CA, 
have been exceptional. Riverside has been fortunate to have dynamic and 
outstanding businesses that enrich the lives of their employees, 
produce quality products, and help make Riverside a wonderful place to 
live and work. On Saturday, March 27, 2008, at the 108th Inaugural 
Dinner, Johnson Machinery will be recognized by the Riverside Chamber 
of Commerce as the 2007 Business of the Year.
  Ruel Johnson purchased Freeland Tractor & Equipment Company in 1940. 
The country was emerging from the Great Depression and business was 
slow, however, as the Nation recovered, so did the equipment industry. 
Agricultural businesses purchased new farming machinery and contractors 
purchased equipment to build new houses, roads, and freeways.
  Over 60-plus years of business, customer equipment needs have changed 
from primarily agricultural to heavy construction and industrial use. 
In 1986, the company changed its name to Johnson Machinery Co. to 
reflect this evolution. The company has grown from the original 12 
employees to over 600, and remains dedicated to offering the best 
quality product and service to its customers. This dedication earned 
Johnson Machinery the rank of Platinum dealer in 2007, after achieving 
Gold Level dealer for 3 consecutive years; a first in Caterpillar 
history. Johnson Machinery is now comprised of five divisions.
  The geography of the Inland Empire ranges from mountains with 
elevation as high as 10,000 feet to deserts. Due to this diversity, the 
industries served by Johnson Machinery are also wide ranging. Some of 
the major industries are: residential development, industrial 
development, underground and infrastructure, landscaping, cement 
plants, mining, sand and gravel, railroad, agriculture, resort and golf 
communities, and heavy construction and earth moving.
  The power division, Johnson Power Systems, started as Johnson 
Industrial in 1977, and has nearly doubled in size since 1989. It 
provides on and off highway, and marine engine service as well as power 
generations sales, service and rentals.
  In 1990, Johnson Machinery Co. acquired Eveready Pacific, a heavy-
duty machine shop in the La Sierra area of West Riverside. The 
increased need for specialized service work caused the operation to 
outgrow its current facility. In 2000, Ever-Pac was moved to a new, 
larger facility right behind the home office on East La Cadena in 
Riverside.
  Johnson Machinery Co. entered the material handling market in 1976 
and in 1992, the Hyster product line was acquired. To reflect the new 
acquisition, the division changed its name to Johnson Lift/HYSTER. 
Johnson Machinery introduced Johnson Rental Services in the fall of 
1998 and opened the first rental store in Temecula, CA.
  It is my pleasure to recognize Johnson Machinery, Mr. Bill Johnson 
and his family and their world-class employees for over 67 years of 
exceptional service as well as thank them for their contributions to 
the community of Riverside, CA. Johnson Machinery not only provides 
quality products and services to their customers but also provides a 
positive place to work. I know that many community leaders are grateful 
for Johnson Machinery and salute them as they receive this prestigious 
recognition.

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