Gardner Denver Flood Wall Ribbon Cutting
Gardner Denver, a KKR portfolio company, held a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 16, 2014, for the completion of a $1.65 million flood protection wall. The wall is designed to protect a Quincy, IL-based Gardner Denver facility as well as parts of the city of Quincy from flooding by the Mississippi river. Local elected officials and Gardner Denver’s CEO spoke about the importance of the flood wall to the community during the ceremony.
Flood Wall Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Quincy, Illinois.
“This wall will be a major asset in our efforts to protect our community from future floods,” said Quincy Mayor Kyle Moore. “As everyone in Quincy knows, flooding has burdened our community, and time and again, our businesses and residents have had to make substantial repairs after each damaging flood. This flood wall will go a long way in preventing major damage moving forward.”
Over the years, Quincy has been hit by several major floods, including a 1993 flood during which riverside businesses and industries suffered extensive damage when the river crested at a record 32 feet. In 2008, a flood submerged much of Quincy’s riverfront. The speakers at the ribbon-cutting event noted that the completion of the wall marks a new era for Quincy.
“Generations of Gardner Denver employees here in Quincy have flood stories to tell,” said Pete Wallace, CEO of Gardner Denver. “Building this flood wall was the right thing to do to help protect this community. We’d like to thank KKR for recognizing the need and for helping make this possible, are we’re equally grateful for the support of local and state officials who help turn the idea for this wall into a reality.”
Congressman Aaron Shock (R-IL) provided a video praising Gardner Denver management. The video was screened at the ceremony.
Gardner Denver was acquired by KKR in July of 2013. The new leadership brought in by KKR approved and advised the construction of the flood wall at the Quincy facility.
Also in attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony was State Sen. John Sullivan, representatives from U.S. Congressman Aaron Schock’s office, representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers, the Chamber of Commerce, the Adams County Emergency Management Agency, the Great River Economic Development Foundation, Gardner Denver employees, and residents of Quincy.
