[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 135 (Friday, August 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E770]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING 1001 EAST DELAVAN AND VIRIDI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 11, 2023

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to recognize 
1001 East Delavan Avenue, which can now mark its 100th year of 
operation as a manufacturing plant in the city of Buffalo. For 100 
years this site has been at the forefront of American manufacturing and 
a homebase to the hardworking people of Western New York. Viridi has 
remade this location to meet the needs of today and tomorrow, providing 
job opportunities that recruit from surrounding neighborhoods through 
its partnership with GreenForce, and positioning Buffalo to be a global 
leader in clean energy manufacturing.
  The plant began operation on August 13, 1923, as General Motors 
utilized the factory to assemble Chevrolet vehicles. At the beginning 
of its existence, Buffalo was the 11th largest city in the United 
States with a population of over 500,000 residents. Of course, 
Buffalo's economic standing was due to its immense manufacturing 
prowess, to which 1001 East Delavan was a steady contributor.
  In 1994, American Axel purchased the plant from GM and continued 
manufacturing auto parts until its abrupt closing in 2007. Today, the 
former General Motors plant is occupied by Ontario Specialty 
Contracting, Viridi, and several community organizations, which has 
injected new life into the 42-acre property. As 1001 East Delavan's 
newest tenant, they are the catalyst that is responsible for bringing 
life back into the Eastside property. Viridi focuses on designing and 
building battery systems that are meant to redefine energy storage and 
power the transition to renewable energy.
  Viridi is not only committed to revitalizing the site, but also 
hiring people from the surrounding community. They have teamed up with 
GreenForce Training, which handles recruitment, training, support, and 
retention efforts for entry level jobs. Viridi currently possesses a 
workforce of over 150 employees and is projected to increase staff 
levels to approximately 500 employees. Seventy-eight percent of Viridi 
and sixty-six percent of GreenForce applicants for production positions 
are located within the 4 zip codes that surround the plant. Thus, not 
only has 1001 East Delavan been a successful operation, but they are 
also once again delivering quality jobs for our community. Today, I ask 
that you join me in celebrating the centennial anniversary of 1001 East 
Delavan Avenue and Viridi's continued commitment to the city of 
Buffalo. We look forward to seeing this be a place of growth and 
opportunity for generations to come.

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