Mr. DODD. Mr. President. I rise today to commemorate the 75th birthday of one of the oldest and most respected companies in my home State--the Durham Manufacturing Co. of Durham, CT. Few companies ever enjoy such long-term success, but Durham Manufacturing has been able to thrive for so many years because it is committed not only to manufacturing excellence, but also to its workers and to its surrounding community.

The Durham Manufacturing Co. was founded after a fire destroyed the factory for Merriman Manufacturing Co., which had been Durham's largest employer for decades. The residents of Durham were determined to keep their community together, and in 1922, the Durham Manufacturing Co. began operations out of a wooden barn. Durham Manufacturing specialized in the manufacture of tin-coated iron cash boxes and cash boxes with a handle and combination lock which were used to store insurance policies.

During World War II, Durham Manufacturing adapted its production to meet the needs created by the war and became the leading supplier of first aid boxes to the Armed Forces. After the war, Durham saw many of its Government contracts expire, and unfortunately, in 1947, the wooden factory was destroyed by fire.

While many companies would have folded up their tents under such adversity, there was never any doubt that the Durham Manufacturing Co. would continue. After the fire, the company took on a new direction as its focus shifted from custom contract work to developing proprietary product lines, which have evolved into their current product lines of first aid boxes, storage cabinets and bins, and office products. Today, their products are used throughout North America and Europe, and this company, which began operating out of a wooden barn, now has its own site on the World Wide Web. Clearly, the future of Durham Manufacturing appears even more promising than its past.

It is only appropriate that Durham Manufacturing's current factory is located on Main Street, because theirs is an All-American success story. But while there is a Main Street in most every town in the country, companies like Durham Manufacturing have become all too rare--a business where generations of family members have worked to build not only a profitable company, but a prosperous community, as well. Companies like Durham Manufacturing represent the backbone of small cities all around this country, and it is important that we recognize and celebrate their longevity.

Again, I would like to congratulate the Durham Manufacturing Co. on the occasion of their 75th birthday, and I wish many more years of continued prosperity.

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