NY Daily News
VIA NY DAILY NEWS:
One of the oldest black-owned businesses in the Bronx will be at the heart of New York’s most important new building.
A.L. Eastmond and Sons, which has been in Hunts Point for nearly 90 years, landed a six-figure contract to build and install diesel tanks in three office and retail buildings at the new World Trade Center.
“It’s an honor,” said company President Arlington Leon Eastmond. “I am so proud to be a part of the rebuilding of this skyline as well as part of the healing process of the greatest city in the world.”
The last of the diesel tanks were delivered to the Ground Zero site last week, and Eastmond’s grandson, Tyren Eastmond, 29, the company’s vice president, said he still can’t believe the venerable firm is now part of the World Trade Center’s lore.
“It shows you what you’re working for has a purpose and meaning,” the grandson said. “You’re doing something that has more of an effect than just coming into the office everyday.”
The company is the only black-owned boiler and tank maker in New York City. At a time when manufacturing is dying in the city, Eastmond, 86, employes nearly 100 people.
And he’s not going anywhere.
“I wouldn’t think of it,” he said. “We have a good reputation, and we manufacture a quality product. We’re known as the boiler of choice in New York City.”
jcunningham@nydailynews.com