[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1413]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING SYNGENTA OF LOUISIANA FOR RECEIVING THE PACE AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. DONALD J. CAZAYOUX, JR.

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 9, 2008

  Mr. CAZAYOUX. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the hard work and 
dedication of a local Louisiana manufacturer. The manufacturer that I 
am recognizing has demonstrated innovation in manufacturing operations 
and a commitment to community involvement.
  Syngenta, a global agribusiness with operations in my district in 
Louisiana, manufactures the active ingredients atrazine and benoxacor, 
and formulates Touchdown', Karate', and 
HalexTM GT brands, among other products, for the 
agricultural sector. The economic impact that Syngenta brings to St. 
Gabriel, Louisiana, is significant. The chemical facility employs more 
than 700 company and contract employees with an annual payroll of $58 
million. This local manufacturer has made noteworthy advances in 
productivity through the implementation of lean manufacturing methods 
and processes that transform and streamline operations through the 
company. Because of these accomplishments, Syngenta will be honored by 
the Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Louisiana (MEPOL), with the 
fourth annual Platinum Award for Continued Excellence (PACE) Award.
  MEPOL, a non-profit business resource based at the University of 
Louisiana at Lafayette, serves to provide business and technical 
assistance to emerging and established manufacturing firms throughout 
the State of Louisiana. Since 1997, MEPOL, based on a philosophy of 
education, encouragement, and empowerment, has worked with 
manufacturers such as Syngenta to increase their productivity and 
profitability.
  Working with MEPOL, Syngenta developed a steering committee to assist 
in developing the ideal state with benchmarks to identify quantifiable 
impact. In less than 6 months, more than 150 ideas were generated, and 
within 1 year, $1.7 million cost savings were validated. The problem 
solving process included visible metrics and methods to assure 
continuous improvement projects are a daily focus during each shift.
  Syngenta also participates in numerous community outreach programs 
and charities. Each year, the company educates more than 5,000 public 
and private school students and contributes over 1,200 to promote the 
field of science. Syngenta has also made substantial financial 
contributions to the local United Way campaign. I congratulate Syngenta 
on being a respected leader in manufacturing whose commitment to 
advancement and continued success has led to this outstanding 
achievement.

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