[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 194 (Monday, November 27, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING GEATER MACHINING AND MANUFACTURING, CO.

 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 
Geater Machining and Manufacturing of Independence, IA, as the Senate 
Small Business of the Week.
  Geater Machining and Manufacturing was founded by Duane Geater in 
Independence, IA, in 1962. The company started with Duane, a single 
employee, and Collins Aerospace as their first client. In 1964, the 
company took on the name Geater Machining, Co. and started a 
manufacturing division. The company moved to a new location in 
Independence in 1965 before constructing their current 42,000-square-
foot headquarters in 1976. In 1994, Duane retired and his son Scott 
Geater took over as president. Under Scott's leadership, Geater 
Machining and Manufacturing added 20,000 square feet to their current 
location in 2023. Duane Geater passed away in 2012, leaving behind a 
legacy of hard work, service, and manufacturing excellence.
  Geater Machining and Manufacturing is an exemplary family business. 
Three generations of the Geater family have worked at the company, and 
their products have been instrumental in U.S. history. On May 2, 2011, 
SEAL Team Six carried out Operation Neptune Spear and killed Osama Bin 
Laden. The helicopters used to transport them on the mission were 
equipped with radio equipment manufactured with Geater Machining and 
Manufacturing parts.
  Geater Machining and Manufacturing is actively involved in both the 
Independence and Buchannan County communities and have been recognized 
for their hard work. They are actively involved in student outreach, 
including hosting tours of their facilities, classroom activities, and 
apprenticeship programs for local students. They won the Heritage Award 
for setting the industry standard by Rockwell Collins at their Annual 
Supplier Conference in 2015. In 2016, they were awarded the President's 
Award for top supplier by Rockwell Collins. In 2016, they were also 
highlighted by Manufacturing Today for their contributions and history 
in the manufacturing and machining industry. Due to their team's hard 
work, Geater Machining and Manufacturing celebrated its 61st business 
anniversary in 2023.
  Geater Machining and Manufacturing's commitment to providing high-
quality precision machining, sheet metal fabrication, and finishing 
operations to customers throughout the United States while maintaining 
their Independence roots is clear. I want to congratulate the Geater 
family and the entire team at Geater Machining and Manufacturing for 
their continued dedication to providing high quality parts to clients 
across the country. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and 
success in Iowa.

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