Congressman Sherwood Boehlert’s (NY 24) visit to ITT Industrial Products Group in Seneca Falls was strictly a fact finding mission. The Congressman has voiced his concern over the current strategic review process of the Seneca Falls campus that is currently underway and its possible effect on the 900 employees and the local communities. Robert J. Pagano Jr., President of ITT IPG, gave the Congressman an overview of the company and its 2004 initiatives, which include reviewing under-performing units. Congressman Boehlert was also appraised of global competition and structural cost issues impacting our New York based manufacturing. These include tax rates, tort costs, health and pension costs, utility costs, and environmental conformance costs.

Congressman Boehlert toured the facility with members of IPG senior staff and the United Steel Workers Local 3298 President, Gary Watkins.

With regards to our strategic review, we informed the Congressman that we continue to identify and target opportunities to make these operations more efficient and competitive. No decisions have been finalized. It is too early in the process to make any announcements.