[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 23, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S5178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING AGRI-INDUSTRIAL PLASTICS COMPANY

 Ms. ERNST. Madam 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 
Agri-Industrial Plastics Company of Fairfield, IA, as the Senate Small 
Business of the Week.
  In 1978, Dick Smith founded Agri-Industrial Plastics Company in 
Fairfield, IA. After graduating from the University of Iowa with 
degrees in industrial and mechanical engineering, Dick set his sights 
on becoming an entrepreneur, and, along with four employees and a 
single machine, he began to break into the agriculture industry. 
Because of his unique experience and engineering perspective, the 
company was able to specialize in items such as baby pig feeders and 
farm drains. In the early years, Dick worked closely with trade leaders 
to enhance the plastic blow molding process in response to the 
development of new machines and materials to stay ahead of industry 
trends.
  Over the years, Agri-Industrial Plastics has built a reputation for 
its capabilities in plastic blow molding, serving industries from 
agriculture to medical equipment. Due to the business's rapid growth, 
Dick knew the next step was acquiring a larger facility to reach their 
potential. In 2015, he built a 104,000-square-foot-space addition. 
Today, the company is a proud employer of over 200 people still 
operating in the same building they started in over 45 years ago.
  Agri-Industrial Plastics emphasizes sustainability and does their 
best to conserve resources by investing in future solutions. In 2004, 
Agri-Industrial Plastics became the first nonautomotive custom blow 
molder to invest in technology capable of producing EPA-compliant fuel 
tanks, demonstrating the company's commitment to sustainability. They 
also installed a full solar roof in 2019, along with a Tesla battery 
system, marking the first successful solar project in the Midwest. All 
these initiatives have cut carbon emissions by over 10,000 tons, which 
is equivalent to planting over 264,000 trees.
  After years of running the company, Dick stepped down as president, 
giving way for his daughter Lori Shaefer-Weaton to take the reins. 
However, Dick continued his involvement by becoming chairman of the 
board. Lori leads by example and works hard to inspire the next 
generation. The Manufacturing Institute selected her for a 2021 STEP 
Ahead Award that recognizes women who have exhibited excellence and 
leadership throughout their careers. In 2023, Lori was named the 
Fairfield Chamber's Outstanding Citizen of the Year. Lori also chairs 
the Iowa Association of Business and Industry Foundation and recently 
joined the board of Iowa State's Center for Industrial Research and 
Service.
  Agri-Industrial Plastics Company plays an active role in the 
Fairfield community and throughout Iowa by partnering with colleges and 
universities across the State to provide students with training to 
obtain professional skills. In addition, the company contributed to the 
Cambridge Little Achievers Center, the Lord's Cupboard Women's Crisis 
Center, and the Jefferson County Kids Childcare Center.
  Agri-Industrial Plastics Company's commitment to giving back and 
providing high-quality products and services is outstanding. I want to 
congratulate Dick, Lori, and the entire team at Agri-Industrial 
Plastics Company for their continued dedication to excellence in the 
agriculture industry and cultivating the next generation. I look 
forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

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