[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 151 (Tuesday, September 19, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S4583]
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. Today, KPI Concepts is focused on providing 
innovative products to the wind energy industry. Throughout this 
history of business growth, the company's employees have been 
instrumental to its success.
  As with many founders, Craig's journey to founding KPI Concepts had 
many chapters. 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. In addition to 
being the Founder of KPI Concepts, Craig Upton has given back to the 
community. In 2014, he was recognized by Southeastern Community College 
with the Distinguished Alumnus Award.
  The KPI Concept's team has been awarded for their contributions to 
the industrial services industry. The KPI Metals team was awarded the 
Manufacturer of the Year Award by the Greater Burlington Partnership in 
2017. Due to the hard work and dedication of the KPI Concepts 
employees, they celebrated their 39th business anniversary in 2023.
  KPI Concept's commitment to providing high-quality wind turbine 
parts, commercial cabinetry, and metal manufacturing services to 
customers throughout the United States while maintaining their Iowa 
roots is clear. I want to congratulate 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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