[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23763]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING ARKEMA INC., AXIS PLANT ON ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY

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                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2006

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Arkema Inc., 
Axis Plant on the completion of their 25th year.
  For the past 25 years, the Axis plant has been an economically vital 
contributor to both the town of Axis and the State of Alabama. The 
plant began operations in 1981 as M&T Chemicals, producing inorganic 
and organic tin compounds. After numerous expansions over the years, 
the plant was purchased in 2004 by Arkema Inc., a global leader in the 
chemical production industry.
  Since its inception, Arkema has earned a very respectable reputation 
as a world class chemicals producer. They have amassed nearly $7.3 
billion in revenue and have over 18,400 employees in 40 different 
countries. With such immense size and diversity, Arkema Inc. brings 
countless opportunities to the people of the First Congressional 
District.
  In particular, the Axis plant specializes in producing a wide variety 
of chemical additives, such as heat stabilizers and impact modifiers. 
Heat stabilizers are compounds added to PVC to slow color development 
during processing and extend the life of a product. Impact modifiers 
are added to PVC to make it less brittle and to increase its strength. 
These products are used in everyday items such as hair dryers, plastic 
piping, and vinyl siding.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize the administration and 
staff of the Arkema Inc., Axis Plant and their continuing leadership in 
the chemical production industry. It is my sincere hope that they will 
continue to set highly commendable examples for others in their 
industry, and I rise today to recognize and thank Arkema Inc., Axis 
Plant for its contributions to the local economy and to the quality of 
life enjoyed in the State of Alabama.

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