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Vise-Grip plant in DeWitt to close

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By RICHARD PIERSOL / Lincoln Journal Star

Saturday, Aug 30, 2008 - 12:18:49 am CDT

Newell Rubbermaid, the owner of the historic Vise-Grip brand and its plant in DeWitt, will tell the remaining 300-plus employees next week the plant is closing at the end of October, sources told the Journal Star.

The production will be transferred, at least in part, to China.

And with it will go a piece of Nebraska’s 20th century industrial legacy — and a big part of the village of DeWitt’s livelihood and history.

Story Photo
The Vise-Grip plant in DeWitt will close at the end of October, sources told the Journal Star. (Joelyn Hansen / Beatrice Daily Sun)

If true, the closing is bound to be devastating for the Saline County village of 572, and for its region. DeWitt is about 16 miles northwest of Beatrice.

The Journal Star learned of the closing from an employee and a Nebraska civic leader. Both asked not be identified for fear of retaliation against plant employees.

Others plant workers told the Beatrice Daily Sun newspaper they have signed agreements not to disclose company information or risk being fired.

Employees were expecting a meeting this week to announce news at the plant, an employee told the Journal Star, but it was postponed until Wednesday.

Village Board Chairman Randy Badman said the village has not been officially informed of anything. But he acknowledged the rumors and the common knowledge that employees expect an announcement next week.

The state of Nebraska’s Workforce Development reaction team is expected to be at the plant next week to help people losing their jobs, the employee said.

But Terry Johnston, director of administrative services, for the state’s Workforce Development agency, said she had no indication the state’s team was alerted to the closing.

“I haven’t seen anything in that regard,” she said.

Under federal law,  in most circumstances, companies are required to give the state and employees 60 days notice of a plant closing. The meeting Wednesday would be just short of 60 days to the end of October.

Company spokesman Ira Gleser refused to comment on what he called speculation and rumor about the plant. He would not confirm or deny plans for an employee meeting next week.

Public discussion of the plant’s future intensified after Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Scott Kleeb visited July 8 and talked to employees about the uncertainty they faced, said his campaign director, Joe Zepecki.

In a press release after he visited the plant, Kleeb said: “The rumor on the shop floor is that, despite increased productivity and nearly a century’s worth of community ties, this facility may soon be closed and production shipped overseas.”

Kleeb brought up the uncertainty of the plant’s future in a recent debate with Republican candidate Mike Johanns, according to a transcript provided by Zapecki.

Vise-Grip has a celebrated history in DeWitt and Nebraska.

Danish immigrant Bill Petersen developed his first pair of locking pliers in 1915, according to popular histories. He patented the device in 1924 and began production at his blacksmith shop in DeWitt.

By 1928, the company had more than 600 employees.

When Petersen died in 1962, his family took over.

Peterson’s daughter, Harriet Fort, still lives in DeWitt. A son, Richard, died in 2006.

In 1985, Richard’s son, Allen Petersen, bought his family’s interests and the business was renamed American Tool Companies. Allen Petersen died in November in Chicago.

American Tool sold out in 2002 to Newell Rubbermaid, a minority owner since 1985. Since then, the DeWitt plant has operated under the name of Irwin Industrial Tools, a company American Tool bought in 1993.

Not quite a century after the tool rose in popularity among professional and amateur mechanics, things started fading, Journal Star archives show.

In 2003, the company closed divisions in Beatrice, idling 200 people there.

American Tools called that closing a “streamlining initiative designed to help the company control costs and remain competitive in global markets.”

The DeWitt plant still employed 500 people then.

In 2005, the future of the plant and the jobs of more than 400 people who still worked there appeared uncertain after Newell Rubbermaid announced a plan to lay off 5,000 of 31,000 employees worldwide and to close one-third of its 80 factories.

A market analyst who followed the company then, Eric Bosshard, said the DeWitt operation was too valuable to close.

“Do you have a Vise-Grip? They’re not going to get rid of Vise-Grip,” said Bosshard at the time.

“That’s one of their growth businesses. They love the tool business.”

In March 2007, the company announced it would continue to assemble and package Vise-Grips at DeWitt, but it would outsource manufacturing of the components. That cost more jobs.

Vise-Grip is one part of one brand, Irwin, that is among six tool brands produced by Newell Rubbermaid, more well known for its food containers.

On its financial reports, the tools and hardware division shows a slight decline in sales so far this year, and a slight gain in operating income, before restructuring charges are allocated.

As early as 2005, the stock analyst Bosshard recognized circumstances didn’t assure the Vise-Grip factory’s continued operation in the place it is now.

“One could ask if they’ll continue to make Vise-Grips in DeWitt, Nebraska,” Bosshard said then.

Not for long, as it turns out.

Reach Richard Piersol at 473-7241 or at dpiersol@journalstar.com. Joelyn Hansen of the Beatrice Daily Sun contributed to this story.


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John wrote on August 30, 2008 1:23 am:
" I worked there in merchandising. The profits were fine. Now, the wrenches are coming back from China as crap. I don't understand why Newell would want to ruin a great American product. I hope everyone boycotts everything that Newell Rubbermaid sells. Thanks to them, a great tool and company, not to mention a wonderful community is at a loss by corporate jackasses that look for a big bonus. "

 wow wrote on August 30, 2008 1:52 am:
" this is huge, not just Dewitt but several towns around will be hit very hard by this one "

 Watcher wrote on August 30, 2008 2:02 am:
" Go back in time to when Newell-Rubbermaid first bought out American Tool. If you asked anyone but a Newell-Rubbermaid PR shill you would have found that everyone associated with American-Tool knew that it wasn't a question of IF Newell-Rubbermaid would close the American plants they just bought but when. Despite their numerous press releases at the time, it was obvious that the only reason they bought American Tool was for the brand names. The American manufacturing plants (and people!) were (and obviously still are) disposable. "

 whatever wrote on August 30, 2008 3:05 am:
" Another fine company started in Nebraska on it's way overseas. "

 kevin cooksley wrote on August 30, 2008 6:32 am:
" I seldom have such a viceral reaction to a news story that I am compelled to "vent" publicly, but the Vice-Grip plant closing rises to that level.
I, too, am proud that such a quality-name has long been associated with Nebraska, and am sick that it will now be another "made in China" product. I have used a "made in China" "vice-grip" type tool on occasion, and they have been pathetic in quality. I own many Nebraska "Vice-Grip's", and they have all stood the test of time in tough use. Rubbermaid caters to the hobby-use industry. I will not buy a "made in China" vice-grip, but will hang onto my prize Nebraska ones and search for more.
My heart goes out to those employees who have lost their jobs. It flies in the face of good business sense to dismantle a successful business with a high-quality, proven product, and ship it overseas where it will become something less.
I sincerely hope that some enterprising individual will try to re-establish the original tool manufacturing business here in Nebraska (if that is indeed possible).
Kevin Cooksley "

 Harry the Antenna Guy wrote on August 30, 2008 6:44 am:
" We all mourn at the passing of this symbolic, American production plant. "

 Curt wrote on August 30, 2008 6:51 am:
" Just another tool that I won't buy, if they do move to China. But, the family didn't have to sell out years ago. The bigshots wanted shiny new office space in the Cornhusker building and big cars with drivers. They forgot they were just tool makers from Dewitt. "

 An American wrote on August 30, 2008 7:35 am:
" Well there goes another one,a great business off to China.Who really cares,I dont.The same for Goodyear closing,I could care less,but before you hate me think about this.When they showed Goodyears parking lot on TV during their layoffs I said,look at all the foreign cars.How many foreign products do you have in YOUR house,I DARE you to check.The next time you go shopping before you check out, see how many are U.S. made.I am proud to say that between my 2 brothers,myself,and parents all our vehicles (Approx.14 of them) are Ford,or G.M. how many of you can say that.My shelves are full of American made,are yours? You say their products are cheaper but you want higher wages, The next time you complain about job losses,low wages,all jobs going over seas,foreign countrys buying up our businesses-Quit complaining,just look in the mirror,YOU are your own worst enemy! "

 Happy wrote on August 30, 2008 7:37 am:
" How many more things can this country not produce? Thanks Newell Rubermaid for taking yet another great product and shipping it away to china. "

 Lindsay wrote on August 30, 2008 7:40 am:
" I'm truly saddened by this news. But not surprising that the large corporation that bought out Vice Grip sold it to China, costing hundreds in America their livelihood. I have to wonder is it really that much cheaper, in the days of higher fuel costs, to make everything in China? "

 Lars wrote on August 30, 2008 8:24 am:
" Sad to see this Nebraska company going. All the more reason to quickly launch the UNL Research Park and hopefully bring new industry and jobs back to Nebraska. "

 CLS wrote on August 30, 2008 8:30 am:
" Newell is the company that bought out Rubbermaid. Rubbermaid, founded in the small town of Wooster, Ohio, was promptly gutted and moved out of town. Many of the pressures that lead to the sale of Rubbermaid were generated by Walmart's continual demands to cut costs and (hint, hint) move production to China. Same thing hampped to the Mr. Coffee factory in NE Ohio. And pretty much every other manufactured item in the US. Next time you DECIDE to patronize your local Mega-low Mart, remember where those everyday low prices came from. "

 Dee wrote on August 30, 2008 8:33 am:
" Another company outsourcing the product to china, go figure. Oh it the cost is cheaper, well then, lets make is super expensive for those same companys to import there product back to the united states, to the point where it IS better to make it here at home..!! "

 Disgusted wrote on August 30, 2008 8:43 am:
" That's heartbreaking. An original Nebraskan (not to mention American) company is bought out, broken up, and eventually sold out to the Chinese. Another brand that has always spoken of quality and innovation becomes nothing but a marketing tool. Next time you buy a product from China (and I challenge you to try not to; it's all that's available is most stores) I hope you think of the employees of this company who are losing their jobs and of the heritage of a local inventor whose legacy has been sold out. It's shameful. "

 Zeeb wrote on August 30, 2008 8:49 am:
" I know Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway are all about making money for the share holders but it would be nice, extremely nice if Warren would come to the rescue of this Nebraska company that has such a rich history. Come on Warren, put on your white hat and ride.You know you want to. Dewitt needs you. "

 Vested Czech wrote on August 30, 2008 8:54 am:
" We knew this was coming, but it's still a sad day. "

 jean wrote on August 30, 2008 8:59 am:
" How devastating for such a rural area.....500 jobs? Where are 500 people going to find jobs in this area? I imagine people will have to move away to find a new job. What a shame! "

 Carl wrote on August 30, 2008 9:10 am:
" I have purchased my last new vise grip. Luckily older made in Dewitt ones are readily available to swap meets. Looks like I will be buying all I can find next spring. "

 To an American wrote on August 30, 2008 9:57 am:
" Just so you do not hurt yourself when you fall of your high horse. My Mitsubishi was made in Illinois. My GMC pickup was made in Canada. Just becasue it is an American company does not mean it was made in America. Sorry Dewitt, what a shame. "

 Ingrid wrote on August 30, 2008 10:02 am:
" Sad. Just sad. A great product will now be crap. Hundreds of people will be out of work. Another rural area of Nebraska will dry up. I'm just glad I went to college and don't have to worry about my job being outsourced. Well, at least I think... "

 Aaron wrote on August 30, 2008 10:09 am:
" I have not liked their pliers since the Irwin brand has been on the handle. I have switched to lock jaw brand locking pliers. You don't have to adjust for size, they grip large or small. You only adjust locking tension. "

 kk wrote on August 30, 2008 10:17 am:
" Well China has shown the world how great and truthful they are with the Olympics! Now another American product is going the Wal-Mart way. It is entirely about profits and doing whatever you can to get the most profit, employees be damned! BTW An American, you might want to check and see if your "American" cars are actually made in America. My parents' two Chevys were assembled in Canada and Mexico. My Nissan was assembled in Kentucky... You have to look really close at what you're buying to know for sure. "

 An American that supports DeWitt wrote on August 30, 2008 10:43 am:
" First off I grew up as one of the 598 that the DeWitt population sign has posted for what seems like forever. It is true that everyone has had this fear that this day was coming, but that still doesn’t make it any easier. I don’t usually write on these blogs, but after reading the comments by “An American,” I felt the need to. I would like to call out this person- and truly question his patriotism. Buying American cars and having relatives that do the same doesn’t make you an American- you are simply supporting American workers and products. The fact that you say you don’t really care about more jobs going overseas tells me that you are not a true patriot. If you really want to support American workers, you would feel some sympathy for the workers and families that this affects. If you were a loyal Nebraskan, you would feel that knowing a quality product that has been made in your home state for almost 100 years and is now leaving, is quite disheartening.
I am guessing from your comments that are centered around cars and Goodyear closing, that you are nothing more than a disgruntled former employee who wants nothing more than to have others share in your misery. I think before you go spouting off that you are glad to see these jobs go overseas, and that you don’t care, you should drive down to DeWitt, and see if you still have the guts to tell that to those employees’ faces. Maybe you should think about how YOU would feel or felt when you lost your job.
As far as the Vise-Grip goes, if you are someone that depends on their tools in your day to day work, you know the quality that these tools used to posses, before carless investors and narrow minded individuals like “An American,” gave the ok to send these jobs to China- because they “Don’t care.” “An American,” I think you need to be quiet and keep your so-called patriotism to yourself. "

 I would love to buy American wrote on August 30, 2008 10:58 am:
" But I drive a Ford made in Mexico. And my wife drives a Lexus made in America. How does one "Buy American" anymore? "

 Sarah wrote on August 30, 2008 11:03 am:
" I knew Mr. & Mrs. Peterson when they lived at The Legacy in Lincoln. Sweetest couple in the world who spoke so highly of their family legacy. Now to think it will all go away and be faint memories. How sad for The Peterson's family, DeWitt and a great American tool. "

 Wilberite wrote on August 30, 2008 11:07 am:
" Imagine what this will do to the tax base of Saline County. "

 Cheap wrote on August 30, 2008 11:36 am:
" Put a cheap product on the market and people will buy it. I think it is time to go back to the good old days of high import tariffs. When you buy foreign, especially Mexican or Chinese, every dollar you save on the purchase ends up costing you more in other ways.

I do believe the Vise Grip patent has expired. Wouldn't it be nice if another American company would step in and start making them? I mean making them to the high quality standards of the original vise grip. "

 MarkyMark wrote on August 30, 2008 11:46 am:
" Wake up America! This is a damned disaster. It is devasting for several communities and families.

This all stems from people looking for the best deal, but instead buying the lowest price. I am so sick of this Chinese crap flooding our markets. You get what you pay for, it's your choice!

I say wake up because you are virtually never getting the best deal buying this stuff. If you buy a Dewitt Vise-Grip brand vise grip, it would probably last most people a lifetime. The half-price Chinese made "Vise-Grip" will fail and you may need 4-5 plus of their product over a lifetime.

Buy American, whenever possible, you will virtually always get the best value. And stay out of stores like WalMart whenever possible. Buy local. "

 Bob T wrote on August 30, 2008 12:21 pm:
" We all knew it was headed that way when they shut us down in October 2003 in Beatrice. They just had to get the supply coming in to match the demand before they could write it off. Remember (or learn) that anything and everything that is stamped Irwin is likely made in China already. Bar Clamps, Aviation Shears and Tin snips have been coming out of there since 2003. Newell won't just buy Chinese locking pliers and have their name stamped onto them, they have been working with China since 2002 or so to ensure the same quality. Try a pair of Pittsburg or other cheap knock off, they spring open and don't lock. I don't think you will see this with the Irwin product, otherwise they may as well just discontinue the line right now and cut their losses. Will I buy any of these after they are made in China, no way. Boycott Newell? Nope, they have brands that you never knew they owned, it is like boycotting Phillip Morris, what would you eat? Bar clamps, I have already enough, but if I need more I would buy Wolfecraft built in Slavia. I truly am sorry to all of you who are going through what we went through in 2003, some of you are doing it twice because you transferred to DeWitt. We all know that we did everything we could to keep the quality coming, but in the end it was set in stone by Newell. Take advantage of NAFTA and goto school on the free ride, as your little corner of the state is running out of factories to work in. Some will likely have the option to remain on until the auctios are over and the place is ready to go on the market, take advantage of the extra time, it may take you through the new year. Good luck to all of you, you have my blessings. "

 Affected wrote on August 30, 2008 12:26 pm:
" Americans shoot ourselves in the foot. If we want jobs to stay here, think about why companies go elsewhere. Lower production costs can mean lower selling costs can mean a better deal for you the consumer. Or does it? "

 andy wrote on August 30, 2008 12:46 pm:
" wow. what a bunch of yahoos. duh, of course manufacturing jobs are moving overseas. And then those jobs disapear. Because, worldwide manufacturing is highly productive. It takes fewer workers each year to produce things, thus, lowering prices for us all. Most things are cheap to make and in order to remain competitive costs must be reduced. "I just bought my last vice grip" pulease!! This is what is called trade, stupid Nebraskans. I cant believe how economically challenged people around here are. amazing. "

 Dan wrote on August 30, 2008 12:49 pm:
" It is hard for me to understand how an American company can shut down operations in America and start up operations in a COMMUNIST country!!!! If the Chinese government had it their way they would take over the United States in a heartbeat if they could get away with it. Where do you think the arms to Iran and Iraq come from? China and Russia!!! Thanks alot Rubbermaid. Hope you have fun dealing with your Communist partners!!! "

 Tim Cortney wrote on August 30, 2008 1:16 pm:
" First of all, I'm not going to hide behind some alias or nickname. My dad drove for Canning Truck Service for over 30 years and picked up wrenches every day at Petersen Manufacturing. In the late 1970's and early 1980's he would have a truck full of wrenches and sometimes would not even leave DeWitt until the early afternoon. Back in those days, things were a lot more relaxed and I would get to ride with my dad usually once or twice in the summer. The stop at Petersen's was always fun. I remember several of my dad's friends in production and shipping. When my dad retired in 1993, they had a party for him at the plant during break time, with cake and many retirement wishes. At that time, my dad would maybe have several pallets of wrenches versus a full truck load. The Petersen Manufacturing Company story is truly that of the American Dream. If this story is true, then it is truly a sad day in DeWitt and Nebraska. I may be wrong, but I'm sure there are still people at the plant that my dad knows and I know of one my high school classmates that works there. I wish them all the best in the coming months. Tim Cortney, son of Jim Cortney "

 cm wrote on August 30, 2008 3:20 pm:
" 191n1 I have worked in Dewitt for 11 years. I have seen many changes come and go. I still work there but for how much longer? I will find out Wednesday morning. We all know it's coming but to actually hear it will be a shock. We are all trying our hardest to keep our jobs here but it seems Irwin doesn't care. The quality of our tools is not what it used to be. All they want are numbers numbers numbers. We were told if we make our numbers every month it will make it much harder for them to send us over seas. I wish that Irwin would sell the plant back to the Petersons or Harriet, but they won't. After what China has done our children's toys how can we go over there. It makes us wonder if they (china) have done something to our material that we have to touch. I guess after Wed. we will all know the fate of our future. Will vise-grip be an american made tool?? "

 cushman wrote on August 30, 2008 3:34 pm:
" as a former cushman employee i understand what your going thorough and as far as nebrasksa work force reaction team lol what a joke they came to cushman when it locked up giving a song and dance on how they will help all i can say is look out for yourselves "

 Allen wrote on August 30, 2008 3:40 pm:
" A hapless goverenor who is more concerned about subsidy programs for corn ethanol and damaging effects it has had on feed to the pork industry got the USDA to buy port another subsidy. Why isn't the governor stepping in to keep jobs in DeWitt? The governor plays political games to pander to citizens who think he is creating economic expansion. The truth is he and the Republicans are failing. Failing the workers of Goodyear, failing to keep jobs at Pfizer, failing now with Newell Rubbermaid. It sure doesn't help to have Fortenberry in the HOuse as the House failed to support alternative energy, failed in child health care...the list goes on and on. People should realize their votes do matter in November. "

 Barry wrote on August 30, 2008 3:44 pm:
" Lars, this has nothing to do with the Innovation Park, other than to serve as a harbinger of warning...Nebraska's leadership does not work to retain her resources or businesses. The loss is not an exception, it is a result of a unicameral and governor's office who don't get it. "

 whatever wrote on August 30, 2008 5:21 pm:
" I look at everything I buy to determine country of manufacture. First you can't buy a car, truck or anything that is completely made in the United States. Other things, sure it's difficult but I'll pay 20 to 30 percent more for a U.S. made item rather than anything from somewhere else. And I'll postpone or simply not make a purchase of an item from China. I do look in the mirror and I do know my enemies are and they look very much like "An American". Bottom feeders and traitors. "

 One Who Knows wrote on August 30, 2008 7:16 pm:
" Those of you who are saying that's just the way it goes, or that the US can't be competitive - you're so wrong in this case. Newell is just being greedy. There are exec's of the Irwin hand tool division who are on the board of/investors in one of the facilities in China where VG is moving. Can you say conflict of interest? They are ruining the tool with lower quality materials and more defects. Guess how much they will save...Less than 25 cents per tool. Destroying an American classic, burying a small Nebraska town, and financially devastating hundreds of families - all for less than a quarter per wrench.

I got out when I could, but I had options. Most of those remaining do not. Friends, you are in my thoughts and prayers and I wish you well. "

 Mr. Johnson wrote on August 30, 2008 7:16 pm:
" "whatever" must not have to worry about a budget. Where do you find clothes that are American made? And if they are, do they come from sweatshops in California? Are there any flat panel television screens that aaren't full of foreign components? Fruit and vegetables seem to come from S. America during N. America's off season. If Americans have a health care systems that is over priced and insurance companies who expect huge profit margins then employers have to raise American good prices. Americans outpriced themselves and in is a shame Bush did nothing but focus on being a war president. "

 MJS wrote on August 30, 2008 7:49 pm:
" This all comes down to one thing; GREED, GREED, GREED! Before Newell got their hands on this company, it was an excellent place to work. The employees and management at the time were dedicated to making a quality product, proudly made in the USA. This plant was like a giant family working together, not idealistic, it had its faults, but as an employee you felt like management and the company “had your back” so to speak. Then came the s*** storm when Newell took over. Immediately the long standing management was gone, slime balls from around the country, all Newell henchmen (and women) moved in and quickly began dismantling not only the business, but the basic fiber of trust and pride this plant enjoyed for so many years before. Plant managers were shipped in assembly line style, usually lasting less than a year, never actually making their homes in DeWitt, with each one of them chopping as many heads as possible in the sadistic name of “Newell Progress”. Believe me, if you didn’t fall in line behind the Newell philosophy of “lay it to the employees and the customers” then you were quickly removed or forced out. This is a sad day for a great American/Nebraskan product and the people who made that product what it is and was. God bless the remaining employees and there families in and around DeWitt, good luck to you all. Watch the papers for the Enron type scandal involving Newell, its bound to happen. "

 Steve wrote on August 30, 2008 7:58 pm:
" A lot of good points on this closing of a great business and looks to me like everyone somewhat agrees we all need to take a serious look at what is happening to our country.Interesting the few comments to "American" as I think what she or he was saying we all need a wake up call so as for "whatever"to call an american names such as "traitor"because obviously "shallow minds speak" seems a little uncalled for. I do know reading between the lines can be a little chalenging for some. "

 Bob Z in lincoln wrote on August 30, 2008 8:35 pm:
" I will never buy a chinese made vice grip, NEVER! "

 a lincolnite wrote on August 30, 2008 8:52 pm:
" why don't we just start selling all the land here while we're at it. "

 Ray wrote on August 30, 2008 9:12 pm:
" Heartbreaking stories. Emotional terrorism. And the war in Iraq won't bring back the yesterdays we had. Energy costs, medical costs, steel costs are rising. Urbanization is real. Slowly across the Plains small towns closed, their churches closed. And the Hope we had for survival of a dream was wiped out by a bigger capitalist. We became invisible and learned to be less critical of those on welfare in Detroit. Somehow life seemed wished away as our jobs disappeared. Oh, Pioneer! Who stopped the music? . "

 Chunky Peanut Butter wrote on August 30, 2008 10:49 pm:
" So the modern day vise grip is disappearing? I say good riddance. No tool has made the professional mechanics job more difficult than the vise grip, with the rounded nuts and bolt heads. Note to "Old McDonald and the back yard mechanic, now go out and buy the right tools for the job! "

 Rishad wrote on August 30, 2008 11:09 pm:
" If you can imagine it, it can be done in India, China or other Pacific Rim countries. It is really a surprise Lincoln has so many insurance companies still not outsourcing many of the operations they have to India. Accounting positions, now even top level positions, have experiened and educated counterparts who will do the work for a fraction of the cost. Having a college degree isn't a safety guarantee. It is especially surprising NU doesn't have more off shore academics since a growing number of professors are foreign. There really isn't a need for the high paid positions for undergraduate education when a key to success, in the information technology age depends on cyber skills. Offshore engineers, accountants, architects, medical doctors, and administrators are available and waiting for business. So folks in DeWitt, feel fortunate to be a part of Americana, the way things were. And look ahead, your children depend on it. "

 Dave wrote on August 30, 2008 11:21 pm:
" Good comments overall and I'm very sorry for the employees of American Tool and the town of Dewitt.

Sure, the corporate executives are greedy, but what about us? Every American who invests in stocks or mutual funds that do not look at corporate responsibility (that's almost all of them) is partly responsible for export of jobs in the name of higher profits. Do you have a 401K? We all thought we could make a bunch of money off the stock market and didn't stop to think about where that money was coming from. Well, it's coming from reduced production costs and lower quality. It is certainly NOT coming from innovations. It's just cheaper to spend a little more on marketing and cut costs than to actually make a good product.

And, at the same time, we Americans like to shop at Wal-mart for their low prices. It's the same story there-- where do we think those low prices come from? Certainly not from employees who can make a dignified living. It isn't just Wal-Mart, but they are the worst offenders in my opinion.

It's just a shame that we Americans never look at this stuff until the plant in our town closes and it's too late. Soon, there won't be any jobs left-- then what will we do? "

 One Out In The Third wrote on August 31, 2008 10:28 am:
" Do your research and buy American. I recently bought a recliner that used to be made in Iowa. I have purchased many of their products in the past and was very pleased with their quality and workmanship. The manufacturers label on my new recliner had the names of the 5 Chinese people that assembled it. That was the last piece of furniture I buy from that company...and Irwin...Rubber-Maid and Vise-Grip as well. I will pass my American/Nebraska made Vise-Grips on to my children. "

 If..... wrote on August 31, 2008 3:22 pm:
" If the change we need doesn't come this November , then MANY other cities will get in line behind Seward and DeWitt etc. The GOP could care less about main street in small town America. Their only concern is Wall Street and the corporate bottom line. It's pathetic that Nebraskans continue to vote for the republicans while they close the plants in their home towns and ship their jobs out. Mark my words.....Saline County and Seward County will vote for McCane and Johanns. REALLY pathetic. Ya get what ya vote for. Its hard to be sympathetic. "

 Workforce Development wont help wrote on August 31, 2008 4:03 pm:
" That's right ! ! ! Unless you are a refugee or non-English speaking, they do NOTHING for you. How it they can produce, reship to American and still make big profits? Becaue they have unethnical employee practices so Americans that buy that condone the company actions. But we hare invaded by oversea companies purchaseing our plants and turning them into labor camps. If you are sick for one day in 3 months--sorry you are not dependable---you have to go--right Kawaski? We allow this, no vacation, no HEALTH INSURANCE, hiding under another company name like MSP etc. But this is what it is coming too..said because in the Dewitt area there is not much in resources for the community to financially survive. "

 The Dos Mil wrote on August 31, 2008 10:07 pm:
" How can you call it greed when the company lowers their operating costs, and boosts profits all while raising the standard of living in third world countries. You think $1 an hour or whatever is too little to pay these people but it might double or triple what the average wage is in that area. So the price at the shelf stays low, good for consumers, and you can buy stock in the company to take advantage of those "obscene" profits. The only downside here are the Dewitt workers out of a job. I don't feel too sorry for them, what with 10+ years of manufacturing jobs leaving the USA, its not like this is a shock. And lets face it, these people live in the greatest country on Earth. Compaired to the rest of the world, America is so rich that our state & federal inmates have a higher standard of living than half of the world's population. And speaking of inmates, these Dewitt workers can go apply with any Law Enforcement/Department of Corrections. These places are always hiring, & its a growth industry with no layoffs in the forseeable future. Life is all about change. The time\energy you waste complaining about things beyond your control is time\energy you could & should be using to better yourself & your situation in this life. "

 Left DeWitt before it was too late..... wrote on September 1, 2008 4:11 am:
" To The Dos Mil:
What I don't think you understand about this situation is the impact it will not only have on DeWitt, but the several towns around it that house employees of the factory. The school that already gets children from 3 counties and several towns just to keep their doors open will most definably be impacted. Those laid off will have to travel long distances for those other jobs and most likely end up moving. The sad part is most of those people have worked there 15+ years and they don't have anything else to put on a resume besides factory worker. It's was a day they all knew was coming eventually, there was talk of the factory closing YEARS ago, but I think that now one wanted to believe it would ever happen in their life time. "

 Okie wrote on September 1, 2008 4:11 pm:
" This is the result of "free trade." Why not slap a tariff on all goods from China. "

 cjfactoryworker wrote on September 2, 2008 7:01 am:
" Thanks for voting republican!! "

 George K. wrote on September 2, 2008 7:45 pm:
" Count on this: I won't buy any more products made by Newell Rubbermaid. I am sick of this outsourcing, making cheap crap, and charging the same price for it. This country needs to wake up. "

 Ann Feltch wrote on September 12, 2008 6:57 pm:
" Irwin tools is making a profit with Vice grip. It just wants to make more of a profit. If it was doing so poorly they would have sold it by now. It is Rubbermaid's quick way to make a profit and hide the losses from other branches. I will never buy another rubbermaid product again. The Petersons and the other buisiness that supported Vice Grip have always reinvested in the families in Dewitt and the surrounding towns. Now what is Rubbermaid doing in return for all the goodwill they benefited from? "

 supportamerican wrote on October 27, 2008 2:15 pm:
" To the guy who says his ford is made in mexico

Just because you buy a Toyota built in the US doesnt mean you don't send the profits back to Japan you dummy.

Those Ford plants would still be here had you not empowered Toyota and Honda with the funds to build over here. A local master has alot more interest in you than one overseas that you will never see.

Fools keep buying your hondas and toyotas, nissans... "

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