Today DeWitt Died

Stargazer · Post by **Stargazer** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 10:33 am

Of historic significance in it's role in the Vice Grip... but more importantly, how does a town this size survive a loss like this?

DeWitt factory that made VISE-GRIP pliers famous is closing

The DeWitt, Neb., factory that made VISE-GRIP pliers famous is closing, effective Oct. 1.

Workers were told early this morning of the closing by the current owners of the business, Newell Rubermaid, and then sent home, according to DeWitt Village Clerk Linda Schuerman.

The closing of the plant affects about 300 workers, and sent ripples of emotion through the community of 572 people, which is about 40 miles southwest of Lincoln.

A Danish immigrant, Bill Petersen, invented a locking pliers in 1915, and then began producing the VISE-GRIP device out of his DeWitt blacksmith shop.

Post by **Brad** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 10:38 am

I know, Sad!

Like I posted in that other thread, just one more thing being shipped over seas! Â "Made in America" is harder and harder to find. Â Heck, I even switched beer companies...

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 10:49 am

Brad wrote:Heck, I even switched beer companies...

Local/regional is tastier anyway!

Post by **Brad** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 11:01 am

almighty_tuna wrote:
Brad wrote:Heck, I even switched beer companies...
Local/regional is tastier anyway!

YES, however that might get expensive when hockey season comes around. Â :?