[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 70 (Wednesday, April 30, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S3590]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING TRANS-TECH INDUSTRIES

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I rise today to commend the 
immeasurable contributions of a small Maine company both to its 
industry and community. Trans-Tech Industries is an innovative 
manufacturer of aluminum tanks and trailers which are used to transport 
fuel and petroleum products. In addition to leading its field, Trans-
Tech has given back to the city of Brewer, ME, in countless ways.
  Trans-Tech is a shining model for companies seeking to compete in the 
demanding global marketplace. Founded in 1984, the company set out with 
a simple goal: strengthen existing models of aluminum tanks to become 
safer and more convenient for the operator. Trans-Tech originally began 
operations in a converted storage unit in the seaside town of Southwest 
Harbor. During its early years, Trans-Tech manufactured tanks and 
trailers as well as aluminum boats. But company president Ken Peters 
found it difficult to produce the number of tanks for which he had 
hoped, and he continually increased efforts to make more tanks. In 
1999, Trans-Tech finally moved to a location in Brewer's East-West 
Industrial Park that better suited the company's needs.
  Since relocating to Brewer, Trans-Tech's tank production has soared. 
The company presently makes between 400 and 500 tanks each year, as 
opposed to the less than 100 it previously produced, and revenues have 
increased threefold. Moreover, the company continues to improve and 
expand. Besides its state-of-the-art 43,000 square foot production 
facility, Trans-Tech added an adjacent 7,200 square foot building in 
2004, allowing it to focus on the manufacturing of specialty trailers. 
Trans-Tech was additionally able to realize its goal of developing 
aircraft refuelers that range from 1,000 to 10,000 gallons each which 
are now in use at airports across the country, showing how Trans-Tech 
has made the most of its new opportunities.
  While Trans-Tech certainly produces high quality tanks and trailers, 
the firm and its over 60 employees are also a good neighbor, donating 
time and resources to many area organizations and charities. Trans-
Tech's commitment to the community is visible with its assistance to 
The Salvation Army; the company's sponsoring a youth hockey team; and 
its major participation in the Brewer Days and Brewer Winterfest, two 
well-attended annual community events.
  One of Trans-Tech's most recognizable efforts is its involvement with 
the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter. Mr. Peters serves on the shelter's 
board of directors, and he and Trans-Tech constantly provide the 
shelter with needed supplies such as furniture and food. They even 
donated a new air conditioner for the hot summer months. Mr. Peters 
also serves as a board member on the Brewer Economic Development 
Corporation and he is a founding member of the Penobscot Landing 
Committee, which is aimed at revitalizing the historic Brewer 
waterfront. He is also the 2008 recipient of the Governor's Service 
Award as chosen by the Maine Commission for Community Service, a 
fitting acknowledgement of the devotion he and Trans-Tech have shown to 
improving the well-being of Brewer.
  Through its unyielding pledge to both business and community, Trans-
Tech sets a high bar for companies seeking to succeed in all facets. 
Ken Peters inspires his employees, and they in turn help make Brewer a 
better community in which to live. He also gives back to his employees 
in numerous ways, including providing them with a raise to help them 
manage rising gas prices. The firm's magnanimous spirit truly flows 
from the top, and it is something to be celebrated. I congratulate 
Trans-Tech Industries on all it does, and wish the company well in the 
future.

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