W. E. Pratt Manufacturing Company Information

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.

Alternative Names

• William E. Pratt Manufacturing Company
• Klassing Handbrake
• Altrachem, Incorporated
• subsidiary of Joslyn Manufacturing and Supply

Type of Facility

• Atomic Weapons Employer

Covered by EEOICPA

• Part B

EEOICPA Covered Years

• 1943-1946 (AWE)
• 1947-1989 (residual radiation)

Contractors

• University of Chicago

Did work for:

• Metallurgical Laboratory
• Du Pont

DOE

• DOE Facility List by Name
• FUSRAP Considered Site

DOL

• Tracking your DOL Claim Status
• Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker Health
• Ombudsman’s Office
• Resource Center
• DOL Case and Claim Statistics

NIOSH

• Tracking your NIOSH Case Status
• Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health
• AWE Site Wide Documents
• NIOSH Case Statistics

Other Resources

• Waste Lands-America’s Forgotten Nuclear Legacy Database