[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 146 (Monday, September 11, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S4352]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING KPI CONCEPTS

 Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week it is my privilege to recognize KPI 
Concepts of West Burlington, IA as the Senate Small Business of the 
Week.
  KPI Concepts was founded by Craig Upton in 1984 out of his garage in 
Burlington, IA, building cabinetry for local businesses. Two years 
later, KPI Concepts moved to a 4,200 square foot building with a 
workshop. The original building was expanded to 42,000 square feet 
between 1986 and 2006, and in 2007, they purchased an additional 
65,000-square-foot location. The second location expanded a few years 
later. After starting as a commercial cabinetry business, they evolved 
to manufacture wind turbine blade components in 2008 with the KPI 
Composites division. In 2013, they added a west coast location in 
Hurricane, UT, while maintaining their West Burlington headquarters. 
Over the years, KPI Concepts has grown to include the KPI Metals 
division as well.
  Craig Upton attributes his success to his father and the Southeastern 
Community College for his successful business career. After graduating 
from Burlington High School in 1973, he went on to attend Southeastern 
Community College where he earned an associate's degree in mechanical 
technology. He later went on to work as a design draftsman, welder, and 
in the data processing department. When he lost his job, his father, 
who had a passion for woodworking, urged Craig to pursue his dream and 
start KPI Concepts. Because he pursued his dreams, KPI Concepts 
celebrated its 39th business anniversary in 2023.
  In addition to being the president and founder of KPI Concepts, Craig 
Upton gives back to the community. In 2014, he was recognized by 
Southeastern Community College with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. 
Earning further accolades, the KPI Metals team was awarded the 
Manufacturer of the Year Award by the Greater Burlington Partnership in 
2017.
  KPI Concept's commitment to providing high-quality commercial 
cabinetry, wind turbine parts, and metal manufacturing services to 
customers throughout the United States while maintaining their Iowa 
roots is clear. I want to congratulate Craig Upton and the entire team 
at KPI Concepts for their continued dedication to providing industrial 
services to Iowans. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and 
success in Iowa.

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