Locke Insulator Works is being rebuilt rapidly

Locke Insulator Works Rapidly Rising

From, the. Ashes of January.

Victor's principal industry, the Locke insulator works, which met with such disaster by being completely destroyed by fire early in January, is rapidly being put in shape again for active operations. Before the ashes had cooled Mr. Locke had a large force of men at work cleaning up the ruins and the work of rebuilding began at once, and despite the inclement weather of the past month the work has been vigorously pushed. The buildings which are to form the plant are now all inclosed [sic] enclosed and roofed. They occupy the site of the old establishment, but cover much more space, and they have been erected after plans, approved by Mr. Locke, that will greatly facilitate the handling of the products of the plant both in the raw and finished material.

The finishing kilns formerly used, although considerably damaged, will be thoroughly overhauled and used temporarily in order that the work of manufacturing the goods may proceed as rapidly as possible, as there is a pressing demand for the Victor insulators from all parts of the world. Part of the machinery for the works has been installed, and the balance, much of which has to be manufactured from special designs, will soon be delivered and put in place. It is thought that another month will see the plant in full operation once more. Before the fire about seventy-five hands were employed, but it is thought that the increased capacity will allow the employment of a considerable larger number, and the reopening of the works is anxiously looked for by the many who have been in enforced idleness during the past few weeks.