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n May 4th, Senator Gene Yaw met with our Vice President Tim Brown and toured our facility. They discussed our operation in detail. This discussion included our current expansion endeavor, our automation efforts over the last several decades, as well as, our need for additional skilled labor.

Senator Gene Yaw represents Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Susquehanna (part) and Union Counties. Benton Foundry employs 235 employees, 41 living in Lycoming or Sullivan Counties. If you include these employees, their spouses and families this covers over 84 constituents.

Senator Yaw serves on several committees. He is the Chairman of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. He is also a member of the Appropriations, Judiciary, Law and Justice, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Banking and Insurance and the Majority Policy Committee.

Senator Yaw serves on a number of Boards and Commissions including as Chairman of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, a member of the Chesapeake Bay Commission, a member of the Environmental Quality Board, a member of the Pennsylvania Aggregate Advisory Board, a member of the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority and a member of the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee. He is also the Chairman of the Pennsylvania College of Technology Board of Directors. They discussed the importance of manufacturing in Pennsylvania. Also discussed was our Pennsylvania Foundries Program at Penn State University and our internship program. Nick Troutman, Senator Yaw’s Chief of Staff also was present for the tour and discussions.

Congratulations to David Buma (above), Benton Foundry’s 1st shift Employee of the Quarter. David works in our Core Room, setting up the core boxes and getting them ready to go on the core machines. He has been employed since February of 2020. David lives in Stillwater, PA. He enjoys working on his pickup truck, fishing and hanging out with his friends when he is not at work. Dave was nominated for this honor as he is a hard worker, dependable and he is willing to take on additional responsibilities.

Great Job!

Congratulations to Maria Higgins (below), Benton Foundry’s 2nd shift Employee of the Quarter. Maria works in our Core Room. She is a Core Machine Operator and has worked at the foundry for three years. Maria lives in Unityville, PA. She enjoys spending time with her children when she isn’t working. She also enjoys swimming, hunting, fishing, yard work, carnivals and fairs. Maria was nominated for this honor for her versatility in completing many jobs in the core room, as well as helping out in other departments.

Great Job!

M

ichelle Williams retired from Benton Foundry on July 30, 2021. She was hired in 2010 as an order entry clerk. Upon her retirement, she was working in Accounts Payable. Her organizational skills and attention to detail were very beneficial for the A/P job. Michelle lives outside of Benton on a small farm where she and her husband Bill raise alpacas, goats and chickens. In her spare time, she works in her vegetable garden and flower beds. She also tends to her bee hives and lavender fields as well as drying and painting gourds. She will be starting her retirement by training her new puppy. We wish Michelle the best in her retirement.

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hen you buy goods manufactured in the USA, it’s a win-win for the nation and its people. Begin adjusting your shopping style today. Choose an American-made product whenever possible.

There have always been periods of uncertainty between the United States and other countries in the global market throughout the years. No one knows when political unease will begin and how the U.S. and other countries will relate to one another. Therefore, it’s crucial to invest in products made in the USA to create more stability for the future of America. Buying American goods helps strengthen the country as a whole. It also benefits your local community and its various businesses. Here are 10 of the best reasons to purchase American-made products.

1. You’re Getting Better Product Quality

American-made products are associated with high quality because U.S. manufacturing companies typically construct their products with higher – quality parts. The excellent quality not only makes them function great but also increases their lifespan. Therefore, while you may be spending a little more on an American-made product than its foreign counterpart, it’s likely to be useful to you for much longer.

2. You’re Contributing to Fair Wages for Employees

Foreign countries often don’t have minimum wage requirements. However, if you buy American-made products like Made in USA tote bags, you know you’re supporting fair wages.

3. You’re Contributing to Safe Labor

Products manufactured in foreign countries may be cheaper than ones that are American-made. However, you don’t know under what conditions the workers in the foreign country have worked to produce the goods. The U.S. requires labor standards for manufacturing companies that federal and state laws enforce. These standards are more stringent than those of many other countries, minimizing the chance for accidents and granting certain rights to workers. As a result, you can be sure that when you buy products made in the U.S., your money won’t be contributing to negative factors such as dangerous working conditions, child labor, trafficking or slavery.

4. You’re Opting for a Cleaner Planet

Federal and state governments have strict environmental regulations for U.S. manufacturing companies. So, when you purchase products made in the USA, you can be confident you’re contributing to a healthier Earth. These benefits will also carry on to future generations.

5. You’re Increasing Demand for American-Made Goods

The U.S. is currently in a world trade deficit, which means that it’s importing more goods than it’s exporting. So, when you buy American-made products, you’re lowering the trade deficit of the U.S. by increasing demand for these products and boosting the American economy.

6. You’re Helping Decrease the National Debt

By purchasing products made in the U.S., you’re supporting American jobs and taxes. When more workers are paying more taxes, the U.S. Treasury Department is receiving more revenue. This increased revenue contributes to paying off the national debt.

7. You’re Ensuring Product Safety

The U.S. has stricter product safety standards and consumer protection laws than many other countries. These safety standards instill the confidence that the American-made goods you purchase are safe for you and your family.

8. You’re Expanding America’s Self-Reliance and Independence

The U.S. has traditionally emphasized being self-reliant and independent from other nations for various essential items. By purchasing American-made goods, you’re helping secure more independence for the U.S. In addition, when you rely on imported goods from other countries, you’re setting yourself up for trouble during political unrest.

9. You’re Keeping Americans Employed

As America continues to have a robust manufacturing sector, Americans can find jobs suitable for their needs and abilities. As a result, you, your neighbors and others throughout the country will be able to enjoy earning a living wage. In addition, the benefits will last generations as everyone can provide for their families.

10. You’re Supporting Local Economies

Buying American-made products can cause a chain reaction in the benefits to the U.S. economy. Purchases benefit not only the national economy but also local economies. These purchases contribute to employing more Americans and bringing in more tax revenue. It also creates more demand for products made in the USA.

Again, when you buy goods manufactured in the USA, it’s a win-win for the nation and its people. Begin adjusting your shopping style today. Choose an American-made product whenever possible.

Legal News, Analysis & Commentary

Kevin Gardner – July 1, 2021

Dryer Vent

What is a dryer vent?

When you dry a load of laundry, your wet clothes produce moist, warm air. It’s the job of your dryer vent to direct all that air outside of your home.

Why clean your dryer vent?

Even if you clean your lint trap every time, your dryer vent can still become filled with lint, which reduces your dryer’s efficiency and could create a serious fire hazard.

Cleaning out your dryer vent increases efficiency, which can save you money on gas and electric bills.
Fires peak in winter months. Make sure you plan regular vent cleanings and checks to help make your dryer run safely.

How can you tell if a dryer vent is clogged?

Blocked vents are one of the main culprits of dryer fires and cause millions of dollars in property damage each year. Look for these warning signs:

• Your clothes dryer is warm to the touch.
• Your clothes take a long time to dry.
• Your laundry room is hot or humid when drying clothes.
• Your find lint in, behind or around your dryer.
• Your dryer’s lint screen is filling up faster than normal.

How often should you clean your dryer vent?

According to the NFPA, you should clean your dryer vent a least once a year. This depends on how often you use your dryer, how many people live in your house, where your vent is located and whether or not you have pets, it may need to be done as frequently as every few months.

Lint Trap

What is a lint trap?

A lint trap will trap lint from clothing fabrics that accumulate during a dryer cycle.

Why clean your lint trap?

Your dryer’s built-in lint trap is the first line of defense.

Removing lint that’s captured in the mesh screen of your lint trap is critical to preventing fires. A clean trap allows for better airflow, which lowers your risk of a fire.

How can you tell if your lint trap is clogged?

If you use dryer sheets and fabric softeners, there’s an increased chance residue can build up on the mesh lint trap. It’s important to proactively clean this trap (an old toothbrush dipped in warm, soapy water will work just fine). Just make sure you give the trap time to dry completely before putting it back into the dryer.

How often should you clean your lint trap?

You should clean the lint trap screen after every load you dry. However, make sure to clean the trap itself on a regular basis to avoid too much lint buildup.

When you do clean your lint trap, remove the lint trap and vacuum the area with a crevice attachment from your vacuum to keep dust and debris from lingering and compacting in your lint trap.

Eriesense Spring 2021