INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 7, 2005 -- Peerless Pump Company has promised some of its high-powered pumps and technical assistance to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the city of New Orleans to relieve flooding in the wake of hurricane Katrina, Dean Douglas, president and chief executive officer of the company, announced today.
"All the corps or city need do is say the word and we can have pumps on their way in 24 hours," Douglas said. "Like everyone else, Peerless employees were shocked by the catastrophe that struck the Gulf Coast. We wanted to do what we could to help. We've offered our expertise and we asked several of our customers to allow us to divert their completed pump orders to flooded areas."
Peerless already has been placed on resource lists of companies or contractors that could be called on for help by either the corps of engineers or parishes in and around New Orleans. The pumps likely would be first sent to a staging area at the company's Selma, Alabama manufacturing facility.
Meanwhile, in a humanitarian gesture, Indianapolis-area workers were volunteering extra time to assemble horizontal split case single stage pumps capable of moving up to 25,000 gallons of water per minute, according to Douglas. "Peerless people care about everyone affected by hurricane Katrina, including our business partners and friends. We stand ready to help in any way, whether that be with our equipment, expertise or financial contribution," he said.
In fact, the company's employees already are raising money for American Red Cross efforts in the storm-stricken south. Douglas announced that for every $1 in employee donations, the company will make a $2 contribution.
Douglas also volunteered the company's 146 years of experience in pumping technology to New Orleans to assist with the arduous task of removing flood waters from the city and surrounding areas. "Peerless is ready to act in whatever way authorities request to supply pumps or repair pumping stations," Douglas said.
Peerless Pump Company (www.peerlesspump.com) designs, manufactures and services high-quality pumping systems for water control and supply and for buildings and industrial facilities. Applications include massive fire-control sprinkler systems in some of the world's largest structures. The Indianapolis-based company, a world leader in the fluid movement industry, employs 350 people.
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