[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 156 (Friday, October 23, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1522]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





   IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KAWNEER COMPANY'S 
                            BLOOMSBURG PLANT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 23, 2015

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to help commemorate the 
50th anniversary of the founding of the Kawneer Company's Bloomsburg 
plant. The plant is an essential manufacturing center in my district, 
and provides necessary materials for the construction of a multitude of 
education facilities, healthcare centers, public buildings, and retail 
stores across America. With close to 400 employees, the Bloomsburg 
facility provides work to many of my constituents.
   Since 1965, the Kawneer Company has enjoyed tremendous success as a 
crucial manufacturing facility in the heartland of Pennsylvania. The 
company has helped fuel the inspiration of architects and building 
teams for more than 100 years, and has continuously implemented new 
manufacturing capabilities in order to improve efficiency and quality. 
Alcoa purchased the facility in 1998, and today, Kawneer Company's 
Bloomsburg plant is an integral part of Alcoa's Global Business and 
Construction Systems business.
   Built on the Susquehanna River, the plant has persevered numerous 
times through devastating floods. Most recently, a flood nearly 
destroyed the facility, filling the shop floor with over five feet of 
water. Kawneer employees, in conjunction with Alcoa and the state of 
Pennsylvania, were able to reinvigorate the plant with new life and 
used the rebuilding opportunity to learn and grow. The plant's recent 
incorporation of a flexible robotic line is a symbol of Kawneer's 
commitment to development, efficiency, and progress.
   Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the Kawneer Company's 
Bloomsburg plant as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. I am incredibly 
grateful for the presence of this productive manufacturing facility 
which continues to bring prosperity and employment opportunities to my 
constituents. I look forward to the plant's continued success and 
innovation in the years to come.

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