Lending A Hand

Modern Machine Shop, Nov, 2001 by Katherine A. Kelley

It's a well-known fact that the world changed on September 11, 2001. The MMS staff wishes to reiterate what our Web site, www.mmsonline.com, said in the days following the attack:

"American manufacturing has rebuilt our country and others before, from much worse than this. American manufacturing will again do what we do better than anyone else. Build. We at MODERN MACHINE SHOP send our thoughts and prayers to the victims, our gratitude to the rescuers and comforters, and our faith that the American manufacturing community will once again answer the call."

Along with thoughts and prayers, we have also seen great numbers of individuals, companies and organizations willing to help victims in whatever way possible. While many of you have probably been a part of this outpouring of support, we received information on what one company and one organization were doing.

Iscar Metals (Arlington, Texas) will donate 1 percent of all sales orders received from September 11 until the end of 2001 to the September 11 Fund (september11fund.org). The company is also asking its employees to donate a day of vacation pay, and Iscar will pay their donation with an equal matching contribution to the Fund. Iscar also encourages its suppliers to make donations, or if preferred, to allow a 1 percent discount to every purchase Iscar makes from them until the end of 2001, and Iscar will donate that to the Fund. Iscar's sister companies in the United States, Ingersoll Cutting Tools and TaeguTec, are making similar donations.

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries has helped in a different way. Representatives of the industry have been working with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and New York City government officials at the World Trade Center ground zero and have been consulted to determine how to efficiently and safely remove and recycle the salvageable metal at the site. Representatives have also discussed with FBI officials how the scrap industry might assist in law enforcement efforts.