The Harris Products Group continues to outpace prior year results in the first half of 2008. Our growth in international markets has provided the balance we need to overcome a slow residential construction market in North America. Within the United States, we have worked closely with our customers to provide alternatives to applications requiring silver bearing alloys. These solutions provide an offset to the volatility in the metals markets and help our customers reduce their costs. The Harris sales team can show you how.
Internally, our supply chain excellence initiative has been a corporate wide program throughout The Harris Products Group. This success along with raising quality expectations has positioned Harris as the premier supplier of alloy and gas equipment products world wide. Earlier in the year, our Mason consumables manufacturing facility received ISO14001 certification. This achievement recognizes our commitment to safety and environmental certification, benefiting our employees and the community where we live.
We are proud of our growing global presence and would like to welcome our new international customers and thank all of our customers for their continued commitment to the Harris product line.