Home Why Red Brand Congresswoman Bustos Tours Keystone Steel & Wire Co.
Bustos at Fence Macine

Congresswoman Bustos Tours Keystone Steel & Wire Co.

by Judy Knowler

U.S. Congresswoman Cheri Bustos recently visited Keystone Steel & Wire Co., producer of Red Brand wire products.

Cheri on Shift Initiative

Bustos represents Illinois’ 17th U.S. Congressional District. She selected Keystone Steel & Wire as her first stop in 2018 as part of her ‘Cheri on Shift’ initiative. Since entering office, the Congresswoman has visited more than 50 businesses in her district. According to Bustos, the hands-on experience gives her a chance to learn what workers do and what their needs are.

While at the plant, she learned about the process of manufacturing steel and wire products. Fence machine operator and ISWA Union member, Bill Doering, demonstrated the operation of a fence machine. With his assistance, Cheri cut out a roll of fence. Bill gave her a B+ for her first try.

Bustos is an advocate for 100% American-made products. Of special concern to her are materials manufactured in the communities she represents. During her tour, Bustos met with leaders of the Independent Steelworkers Alliance. She was impressed with the cooperation between the Union and management which has resulted in good paying jobs and great benefits at Keystone.

Congresswoman Bustos took time out to talk to Union representatives and Keystone leadership during her visit. Top photo from left to right: Tim Carroll, Roy Griffith, Congresswoman Bustos, Tim Potter, Doug Orrick, Todd Norwood. Bottom photo: Bob Beecham, Congresswoman Bustos, Bill Doering

Busts with Union representatives

Bustos meets B.Beecham, B.Doering

Keystone Leaders Welcome Bustos

‘We were happy to welcome Representative Bustos to our facility. We are proud to showcase the capabilities of Keystone Steel and Wire,” said Keystone’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Bob Beecham. “It provides us an opportunity to demonstrate what we do, and the impact we have on our community and beyond.”

Beecham continued, “Specifically, we discussed how American jobs are the backbone of our country. The relationship we’ve fostered between Union members and management has resulted in a solid workforce. We provide good paying jobs and outstanding health care benefits to our employees. In addition, we all share a great deal of pride in the fact that we manufacture the highest-quality steel products. Using only 100% American-made steel has led us to a legacy that is now four generations strong. That’s very important to us, and Ms. Bustos understands that. We thank her for taking the time to visit in order to learn more about KSW. Her genuine interest in our company is truly appreciated.”

On social media, Bustos declared that she had a great time, and conveyed her gratitude to Beecham and the rest of the Keystone team.

Watch Keystone Steel & Wire and Red Brand employees share their thoughts about making American-made products here.

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