REQUESTS for bids on the production of Defense Program materials have caused quite a bit of concern among some manufacturers who would like to help.
A recent conversation with the head of a plant engaged in the production of machine tools revealed that he too had been requested to figure on a Defense item. Right now, his plant is working at top speed. Much of his output is already earmarked for the Defense Program. To accept the responsibility of a munitions contract would mean plant expansion, increased personnel, bigger payrolls and a new set of financial problems for him.
This man has spent more than a quarter of a century building up his business to its present position, and he feels that he is just a little too old to take long chances. The bugaboo of his previous post-war experiences is still fresh in his mind. No one can question his sincere patriotism and scarcely anyone can blame him for hesitating to jeopardize the future of his business with mortgages on acreage and machinery. Perhaps the plan of the Defense Plant Corporation can offer him some encouragement, but so far we have been unable to determine just exactly where the solution to his dilemma lies.
Despite numerous problems the Defense Program seems to be progressing at a satisfactory rate and gaining momentum as each difficulty is solved and each situation clarified. No stone should be left unturned to accelerate further.
We point with considerable pride to the job that the dealers in the Surplus and Rebuilt Machinery and Equipment Industry are doing to fill the “spot” demand for tools and equipment.
