NEWSLETTER - November 2001 - Issue No. 16
ISO 9001-2000
CERTIFICATION IN PROGRESS
From the day both companies were joined, Elastec and American Marine have been dedicated to product improvement through quality control. We understand the importance of consistent quality in everything we manufacture. Our most recent investment in quality management is the implementation of the ISO 9001 - 2000 certification program.
Elastec/American Marine is working with consultant Ken Russell, a certified quality auditor with extensive experience in quality management. Ken has accumulated his knowledge over three decades of work with several important US companies. He is directing the planning and implementation of the ISO program at Elastec with the help of Jeff Bohleber, Management
Representative and Chief Financial Officer of the company.
As we confront the ISO 9001- 2000 issues, we better understand the value of an organized quality management system. We feel confident that our current investment in quality will improve products and service to our customers and maintain our status as leaders in the industry.

Turkey Buys Equipment
In July, Elastec/American Marine was pleased to host several members of Petrol Ofisi, the largest oil company in Turkey. As part of their environmental protection program, Petrol Ofisi purchased 10 sets of Elastec/American Marine equipment. Each set included a boom reel with 1000 feet of boom, and a 136 hydraulic skimmer system with a D-10 power pack.
While at our facilities, the Petrol Ofisi officials studied oil spill recovery theory, were trained in boom deployment and observed oil skimmers in action. The training program lasted three days.
When the equipment reached Turkey, it was sent to ten oil spill recovery equipment stations around the country where it will be used to protect the environment.

Neat Sweep Trials a Success
Elastec/American Marine's research and development team has been refining the Neat Sweep Dispersant Application System. They have developed a one boat boom towing system using boom vanes to keep the leading edge of the boom open. With the boom open wide, oil is funneled to the boom apex where the dispersant is applied neat.
Neat Sweep is the most efficient dispersant application system available. Dispersant is applied to a layer of oil concentrated into a narrow band that flows beneath the dispersant application zone. Overdosing and underdosing are reduced. The dispersant is applied hundreds of feet downwind from people and equipment, greatly reducing the risk of exposure.

Silt Curtain on the St. Lawrence Seaway
Elastec/American Marine supplied dredging operations on the St. Lawrence Seaway with turbidity curtains to avoid the spread of contaminated materials. This extensive, large scale project is highly visible and important for protection of the waterway. Dredged material is de-watered and removed from location to eliminate contaminants that have built up over time.

A Hot Time at the Annual Chili Cook-off
Six entrants were brave enough to risk spicy criticism in this year's Chili Cook-off at the Carmi facility. Hoarded family recipes that have been all but copywrited and handed down through generations were put to the test by the gastronomic gourmets of Elastec.
Some entrants made loud accusations of sabotage to their cherished brews, and rumors of vote buying murmured through the assembly. Palms perspired and brows were mopped as the judges retired to count votes.
Bill Holloman was announced the 2001 winner to cries of protest and foul play. Holloman was even the brunt of a few crude jokes which, to this reporter, seemed to slip the bounds of good taste. However the accusation that Holloman sampled more chili than anyone else, actually did have merit.
Jim Rush got the award for the ugliest pot of chili, Sharon Dennis received the Blah award, and Becky Mallow won the Recto Burner award (usually awarded a day after the tasting). Strong grudges are in place for next years cook-off and plans are already being laid for the event.

Success Letter from Palmer, Alaska
Success letters keep coming in to Elastec/American Marine and as usual, we like to take note of the comments.
Mr. Rick Koch, Superintendent of Public Works in Palmer Alaska sent us a very nice letter of appreciation after the city of Palmer purchased a floating baffle system.
Mr. Koch says, "I cannot tell you how impressed we were regarding the ease of installation of the system, which was a direct result of the time and effort put forth by your company in the packaging of the materials. We literally only had to start unwinding the baffles from the top of the crate(s) directly into the lagoon. What I expected a week to accomplish was complete in only two days. The price was competitive and the attention to detail was truly outstanding."

Thanks Mr. Koch.

Elastec/American Marine: 1309 West Main, Carmi, IL 62821 USA
Call us at (618) 382-2525 Fax (618) 382-3610
E-mail elastec@elastec.com
Updated July 2002. Copyright Elastec/AmericanMarine. All rights reserved.