KEEPING MEN, if not machines, at work in non-defense plants is another part of the great problem which confronts us today. The Used Machinery Industry has both the ability and the facilities which might well be applied to lick this situation. Therefore, we take the liberty of outlining them to the “powers-that-be” for what they are worth.
Today, the allocation of men and machinery brought about by the Defense Program has assumed Herculean proportions. The part played by the Used Machinery Industry in the Battle of Production has been pointed out by us on many occasions.
In the past we have also mentioned some of the unusual and extraordinary things done by dealers in our Industry in putting plants in a good competitive position. Never were we so presumptuous as to suggest a complete plant changeover for the manufacture of an entirely different product. There was never any need for that!
Today things are different. Truck plants make gun carriages; part manufacturers assemble radio equipment; wagon works build tractors; woodworking plants change over to the production of metallic equipment. And most amazing of all is that each plant is doing a grand job of work.
And right here is the answer to the problem we face. The adaptability and versatility of the Average American workingman, plus the necessary machinery to do the job, leaves no doubt as to the outcome of the Battle of Production.
The Used Machinery Industry can be depended upon to provide the necessary machines if only manufacturers in general will cooperate in a truly patriotic American way.
