[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 87 (Thursday, June 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING ENSIGN-BICKFORD INDUSTRIES ON THEIR 175TH ANNIVERSARY

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                       HON. CHRISTOPHER S. MURPHY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 16, 2011

  Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ensign-
Bickford Industries on their 175th anniversary. Since 1836 Ensign-
Bickford has called Simsbury, Connecticut home, where its employees 
have always strived for quality and innovation.
  Before setting up shop in Connecticut, William Bickford invented a 
miner's safety fuse in 1831 that would later make Ensign-Bickford 
Industries a pioneer of the safety fuse for both mining and military 
applications.
  As the years passed, the country and the company changed and adapted. 
Ensign-Bickford transformed into a leader in the aerospace industry. In 
fact, since the beginning of the American space program, the company 
has provided the technology that allows rockets to separate, and 
satellites to be launched into orbit.
  Ensign-Bickford has also served both our state and the nation by 
helping to protect our soldiers in battle. The company has developed 
important landmine clearing technology and strengthened armor for 
military vehicles. These innovations have undoubtedly saved lives, and 
taken together with the other industries they serve, Ensign-Bickford 
has provided thousands of jobs for American families through the years.
  For nearly two centuries, Ensign-Bickford Industries has epitomized 
the American spirit of innovation, perseverance, and responsibility 
that I believe we need to restore in American manufacturing. So I wish 
to congratulate Ensign-Bickford on this special occasion, and I ask my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing Ensign-Bickford Industries on 
their 175th anniversary.

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