U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown visits GateKeeper construction site

Senator recognizes project leaders and local workers who have been instrumental in the $30 million project.

Tuesday, 26 March 2013

Cedar Point Press Release

SANDUSKY, Ohio – Manufacturing jobs remain key drivers of Ohio's economy, and the construction of Cedar Point's record-breaking wing roller coaster, GateKeeper, is a reflection of the tremendous feats the state's skilled workforce is capable of accomplishing according to U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-OH, who spoke at the construction site today. Brown recognized project leaders and local workers who have been instrumental in the $30 million project.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown

Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-OH, speaking at the GateKeeper construction site, recognized project leaders and local workers who have been instrumental in Cedar Point's $30 million project (Cedar Point)

"I am proud that Cedar Point has chosen to use many Ohio manufacturers to build its new GateKeeper roller coaster," Brown said. "We know how to make things in Ohio—from tires to car frames and now roller coasters. Cedar Point is the best in the world at what it does and continues to create jobs and strengthen our economies in Sandusky, greater Erie County, and Ohio."

The senator was joined by skilled workers specializing in a variety of trades. They included A.A. Boos & Sons of Oregon, Ohio, which handled the concrete foundation work for GateKeeper; Bert R. Witte Inc. of Amherst, contractor responsible for all the carpenter work on the GateKeeper; Firelands Electric of Sandusky, which assembled the electrical system that powers the ride and the lighting components; and S. A. Comunale, a Fremont pipefitting company handling the air lines for GateKeeper's brakes and its plumbing. All are represented by regional trade unions.

The track for Cedar Point's 4,164-foot coaster is now complete, and the ride is scheduled to open May 11.