EXACT figures on the tremendous number of production hours saved by the reclaiming or rebuilding of equipment needed for the production of war material will, perhaps, never be known. Even today we are barely beginning to realize the immensity of the job done so far and significance of the time saved. For the future we look to a continuing demand for used machine tools based principally on the admirable record made by industrials who were compelled to put “rebuilt” tools on the job to get into production. An example of the extent to which used machinery and equipment dealers are cooperating in our war effort is clearly shown in the case of a firm employing only forty people. In just one year this organization placed between three million and four million dollars (estimated new value) worth of equipment in war production plants.
Last month marked a high point in the history of the Machine Tool Rebuilding Industry. One firm, the first to receive the Army and Navy “E,” was so recognized. This tribute, the highest award obtainable by a civilian organization, should have an exhilarating effect on an industry which up to this time has had little if any recognition for its valuable contribution to the war effort.
No less than $180,000 worth of machinery listed in the advertising pages of Surplus Record for July was obtained for war contractors by one regional division of the War Production Board, according to a recent letter. We believe this is one of the best pieces of evidence yet uncovered that Surplus Record is not only widely and thoroughly read, but is also performing a valuable service to the government in the war production effort. The letter reads: “It might be of interest to you to know that we have secured approximately $180,000 worth of machinery out of your July number. Kindly keep
us permanently on your mailing list.”
