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[Pages S7151-S7152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF HAZELETT CONTINUOUS CASTING
Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to recognize
the success of another Vermont business, Hazelett Continuous Casting,
which is celebrating its 100th anniversary of producing quality casting
equipment and research. Hazelett is a true pioneer of continuous metal
casting development and research, growing from one man's dream into one
of Vermont's most successful companies. As a fourth-generation, family-
run company, it is fitting to look back on Hazelett's 100 years of
public service and learn more about their history.
Hazelett's founder, Clarence W. Hazelett, worked tirelessly to design
and develop continuous metal casting technology in 1919. Clarence's
commitment was undying, his persistence to be a leader in this field
led to his groundbreaking work being recognized through worldwide
patents and technical publications. In 1924, Clarence established the
first commercial continuous metals casting and processing company in
the world, Hazelett Storage Battery Company. Upon his death, his two
sons, William ``Bill'' and Richard, followed in his footsteps and took
Hazelett a step further.
Bill took the reins from his father, becoming president of the
company in 1956. Building on his father's foundation, Bill relocated
the company to Colchester, VT, and renamed it Hazelett Strip-Casting
Corporation. It was here that the family business grew into one of the
world's leading continuous casting machine manufacturers. Bill went on
to win the United States Small Business Administration National
Exporter of the Year award in 2001 for his exemplary innovation and
vision in building a very successful business in Vermont, boasting an
employment of 145 people while accounting 70 percent of its $23 million
in sales to foreign business. Bill passed away in 2010, but his legacy
lives on and continues in his son, David.
Today, with David at the helm, Hazelett has maintained their status
as one of the world's leaders in continuous metal casting, expanding
well beyond the Green Mountains. Hazelett's prominent presence around
the globe is marked by the operation of their machines in 27 countries
and the establishment of the only full-service Hazelett branch outside
of the United States, Hazelett Trading in Shanghai, China. David's
mission is clear: He hopes to offer the most cost-effective,
environmentally friendly metals casting technology in the world. It
pleases me to hear important Vermont values incorporated into
Hazelett's work.
Hazelett has been an important contributor to not only the Vermont
economy but the global economy. The Hazelett family and their employees
have also helped build and support their home town of Colchester over
this entire 100 years. A business of this magnitude in Vermont is a
true gem and the years of dedication and hard work are exemplified
through Hazelett's generations of leaders. I am incredibly proud of the
continued dedication of each generation that has taken over the
business. Congratulations to Hazelett Continuous Casting on 100 years
of business, may your success continue for another 100 years.
[[Page S7152]]
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