[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 130 (Thursday, September 11, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1395-E1396]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING CLEATS MANUFACTURING ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 2014

   
  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Cleats Manufacturing, 
which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
  Cleats Manufacturing is a union premier fabricator of HVAC sheet 
metal products. Since its incorporation in 1964 by Ernie DeLord, Cleats 
has been located in Chicago providing jobs for our hard-working 
constituents.
  Over the last 50 years, their product line has expanded rapidly. 
Beginning with slip and drive cleats, Cleats' product line soon 
included rectangular duct and fitting, spiral pipe, CleatSeal gasketed 
round fittings, welded duct, and other sheet metal products.
  Cleats Manufacturing not only provides an excellent American made 
product but also prides itself in its employees. Their union trained 
team are tradesmen in the industry

[[Page E1396]]

and will work with customers on any job from start to finish no matter 
how big or small.
  The company would not be where it is today without the vision of 
Ernie DeLord's nephew Steve Passannante who began working for the 
company in 1974. When Steve began, the product line consisted only of 
sheet metal connectors. He had the vision of the company growing from a 
connector manufacturer to a full service HVAC fabrication shop. Steve 
expanded the company and built relationships with some of the largest 
contractors in Chicago.
  Cleats is now one of the largest HVAC fabricators in the Chicagoland 
area.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Cleats 
Manufacturing on their 50th anniversary.

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