Today, U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship (SBC), announced Hanko’s Metal Works, Inc. of Berwick, La. as Small Business of the Week, and will be submitting it into the official Congressional Record.

“Louisianians understand the importance of commitment to our local economies and communities,” said Vitter. “Mr. Hanko has built a successful outfit in St. Mary Parish, supplying folks with durable, innovative maritime products that stand the test of work and leisure in Louisiana’s unique ecosystems. Congratulations again to Hanko’s Metal Works, and I look forward to seeing your continued growth and success.”

In 1985 in the midst of a local economic depression in south Louisiana, Harry “Hanko” Hoffpauir opened Hanko’s Metal Works with the goal of providing Louisianians with quality aluminum boats, spurring economic activity in his community, and putting folks back to work. A twenty-seven year veteran of the maritime industry in southern Louisiana, Hoffpauir began his career as a superintendent overseeing major maritime construction efforts such as construction of offshore platforms drilling for oil and natural gas.

Today, Hanko’s Metal Works, Inc. has grown from an operation of two employees to a team of over 35 individuals serving thousands of customers worldwide. Building upon a reputation for craftsmanship and ingenuity, Hanko’s continues to develop innovative products, including developing the first oilfield gauging boats that were used to help in the recovery efforts following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill which devastated Louisiana’s vulnerable coastal wetlands and the Gulf of Mexico.

As SBC Chairman, Vitter continues the tradition of honoring America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs.

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