[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 22 (Wednesday, February 5, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E172-E173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF BRIDGEWATER INTERIORS ON ITS DESIGNATION AS THE 2013 
  MINORITY MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2014

  Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the 
executive team and employees of Bridgewater Interiors, LLC on their 
company's distinction as the 2013 Minority Manufacturer of the Year by 
the Minority Business Development Agency of the U.S. Department of 
Commerce.
  The Greater Detroit region has a rich history of innovation and is a 
community that is made strong through the diversity of its residents. 
Launched in 1998, as a joint venture between Detroit-based Epsilon 
Technologies, LLC and Johnson Controls, Inc., Bridgewater Interiors is 
a modern embodiment of these legacies. From its local beginnings, the 
management team and employees of Bridgewater Interiors embarked on a 
commitment to deliver high quality products that range from automotive 
seating systems to overhead systems and center consoles. As a testament 
to its success, Bridgewater Interiors has grown into a national Tier 1 
supplier to the Big Three with over 1,500 employees at four sites 
across the country.
  Bridgewater Interiors prides itself on being a goal-oriented 
organization that promotes and recognizes the dedication of its 
employees. To promote high morale amongst its employees, Bridgewater's 
leadership team has created a work environment that is responsive to 
employee concerns, creates an open-door policy for access to senior 
management and that strives to recognize employees for their 
contributions to their organization's success. In support of its 
commitment to the ongoing training of its workforce, Bridgewater 
Interiors provides its employees with a tuition reimbursement program 
for college studies. Given these commitments to product quality and its 
employees, it is little wonder that Bridgewater Interiors has been 
named one of Metropolitan Detroit's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to 
Work for by the 101 Best and Brightest organization.
  As the leader of a certified Minority Business Enterprise, 
Bridgewater Interiors' President and CEO, Ron Hall, Sr. has been 
committed to supporting diversity both within his company and the 
manufacturing industry. As a result of his commitment to the principles 
of diversity, Mr. Hall effectively leveraged his leadership at 
Bridgewater Interiors to hone the organization and mission of the 
Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council--now one of the premier 
minority business organizations in the country. In addition to his work 
within the manufacturing industry, Mr. Hall serves as the Vice 
President of Minority Business Development at New Detroit, Inc., the 
nation's first urban coalition, as well as taking a leading role at 
other local organizations, including the American Diabetes Association 
of Michigan, Southeastern Michigan Junior Achievement and St. John's 
Hospital of Michigan.

[[Page E173]]

  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent some of the brightest and most 
innovative individuals and companies in our nation--individuals like 
Ron Hall, Sr., his leadership team and the employees of Bridgewater 
Interiors. I congratulate Mr. Hall and the employees of Bridgewater 
Interiors on their recognition as the 2013 Minority Manufacturer of the 
Year and I look forward to their continued success as we build the 
future of the American manufacturing industry.

                          ____________________