W.E. Pratt Manufacturing Co.
Also Known As: William E. Pratt Manufacturing Co., Klassing Handbrake, Altrachem, Inc., subsidiary of Joslyn Mfg and Supply
State: Illinois
Location: Joliet
Time Period: AWE 1943-1946; Residual Radiation 1947-1989
Facility Type: Atomic Weapons Employer
Facility Description
The W.E. Pratt Manufacturing Company performed metal fabrication tasks (machining and grinding) for the University of Chicago Metallurgical Laboratory beginning in the spring of 1943. The purpose of the machining done by Pratt was to speed up delivery of pieces for the experimental pile and to learn all that could be learned about handing uranium metal in turret lathes and automatic screw machines. In 1944, Pratt was subcontracted by the University of Chicago to finish “short metal rods” by centerless grinding. This work continued until June 30, 1946. The Manhattan Engineer District History indicates that DuPont placed an order with Pratt to turn and grind unbonded Hanford slugs.
During the period of residual contamination, as designated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and as noted in the dates above, employees of subsequent owners and operators of this facility are also covered under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act.
Listing
W.E. Pratt Manufacturing Co. is listed as an Atomic Weapons Employer (AWE) site under the EEOICPA.
Compensation
As of 06/14/2015, the total compensation paid under Part B of the EEOICPA, including medical compensation, for workers suffering from the effects of having worked at W.E. Pratt Manufacturing Co. is $904,575.
W.E. Pratt Manufacturing Co. Workers
If you or your parent worked at this or any other AWE facility and became ill, you may be entitled to compensation of up to $150K plus medical benefits from the US Department of Labor. Call EEOICPA Counsel Hugh Stephens at 1-855-EEOICPA (336-4272) or fill out the form to the right, whether your claim has been accepted or denied.
We can help with all OWCP (Federal Workers Compensation) claims, impairments, wage loss and health care. 2495 Main Street, Suite 442 Buffalo, NY.
Site Description
The facility, located approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) east of the center of Joliet, is a single story masonry building with brick veneer. The building rests on a concrete slab; total floor area is about 1500 m2 (16,100 ft2). Internal partitions for office and other non-manufacturing space are of wood frame construction. Manufacturing area floors are uncovered; other floor areas are tiled with asphalt or ceramic tile. The building roof is multi-tiered with sheet metal and tar-and-gravel coverings. Currently the building is used for light manufacturing operations by the tenant, Klassing Handbrake Company. The current owners are Neal Elens and William Maichen. (Another tenant, Altrachem, Inc., is not in the former Pratt Manufacturing area.)Several sections of a former adjoining building to the east have been demolished. There is a more recently constructed addition, connecting with another building to the east of the facility. To the north of the building is an infrequently used dirt road; there is a loading dock and unpaved truck parking area on the south side. Other open areas of the property are currently unused and are overgrown with grass and low weeds.
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Contact Us
Address:
2495 Main Street, Suite 442
Buffalo, New York 14214
Phone:
(716) 852-7590
Fax:
(716) 852-7599
After Hours:
(716) 208-3525
Email Us:
R. William Stephens, Esq.
R. Hugh Stephens, Esq.
Lisa P. Neff, Esq.
