Falconer facility is only U.S. producer of refractory sets
Rep. Tom Reed (R-Corning)
FALCONER – Congressman Tom Reed (R-Corning, NY-23) announced Monday a minimum $1.5 million dollar order the Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed it will place with RHI Monofrax. According to a release from the congressman’s office, Reed weighed in heavily with the DOE earlier this year to ensure the order is placed in a timely manner with the Falconer manufacturer, which is the only facility in the United States to manufacture necessary refractory sets.
Although DOE previously told Monofrax it had ruled out a purchase during this fiscal year, Reed worked with leaders at DOE, Monofrax and the local union to secure the minimum $1.5 million order, expected to be finalized this summer according to the DOE. The imminent purchase for refractory sets from Monofrax will be used at the Savannah River site in South Carolina.
During a media conference call Monday morning, Reed said that he expects a work order to be finalized by this summer.
“Securing this order sooner rather than later is very important,” Reed said. “We want to be as sensitive as possible to care for the needs of our district’s businesses. When that means stepping up to the plate to facilitate conversations and press for action, we’ll be there to help however we can. Our local workforce is second to none and we will continue to fight to put our local workforce and locally manufactured products in the strongest position possible.”
“We are very grateful for the continued efforts by Congressman Tom Reed to help RHI Monofrax secure these projects,” said Daryl Clendenen, President of RHI Monofrax. “His presence at our facility on multiple occasions and the work he has done to make this a success, clearly shows his commitment to this facility and the men and women who work for RHI Monofrax.”
The Monofrax facility employs more than 170 workers. Many of those employees are currently laid off as a result of a slow business climate for the Falconer plant.
“Thank you to Congressman Reed for stepping up to the plate for RHI Monofrax,” said Dean Devita, Secretary-Treasurer of the National Conference of Firemen & Oilers, SEIU. “Today’s announcement will help to protect the jobs on the ground in Chautauqua County and ensure that a local manufacturer can continue to produce here in the United States.”
Reed met with Monofrax management and local and regional union leaders at the plant in Falconer earlier this year to get a better sense of the company’s business model and map out an action plan for the plant’s long-term viability.
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