A. and C. Rasmussen, Racine County brothers and lifelong mechanics, helped build the Peerless Machine Company, incorporated in 1916 to manufacture high-speed power hacksaws. Formerly associated with the Racine Gas Engine and Racine Tool companies, they have secured patents, expanded sales to several countries, and are planning further growth as demand for their machines increases.
The Perfex Radiator Company, based in Racine, traces its origins to Chicago in 1910 and moved to Racine in 1912. Now building a new plant near the St. Paul railway tracks, the company manufactures patented radiators for engines, tractors, trucks and automobiles. With the expansion, output will reach 400 radiators a day and employ more than 200 workers.
Racine Auto Tire Company, founded in 1910 and incorporated in 1914, has grown from three employees making three tires a day to a 125-man operation producing 225 Racine Horseshoe tires daily. Based in Racine, Wisconsin, it sells throughout the Midwest and Pacific coast, operates branch houses in major cities, and plans a new factory.
The Racine Carriage Company, organized in 1914, took over the vehicle businesses of Racine-Sattley and Richardson-Kennedy and continues the legacy of the old Racine Wagon Carriage Company. Led by experienced trade veterans William H. Richardson, Joseph O. Kennedy, and J. C. Lund, the firm operates a modernized factory and repair department serving Racine’s growing manufacturing economy.
Founded in 1907 and opened in January 1908, Racine City Bank has grown into one of southern Wisconsin’s most trusted financial institutions. With stable leadership, a $50,000 capitalization, and deposits now exceeding $500,000, the bank’s success reflects careful management, reliable officers, and a business policy focused on protecting depositors’ interests.
The Racine Electric Company, founded in 1912, has grown from a small Douglas Avenue shop into a thriving manufacturer of electric motor specialties, vacuum cleaners, motors, fans, drink mixers, and more. With patents held on many products by John Ruggaber, the company now employs 36 workers and plans a new three-story brick factory on the North Side.
The Higgins Spring Axle Company, successor to the Ansted Higgins Spring Company founded in 1884, manufactures springs and axles at its Racine plant and ships products nationwide. Incorporated in 1892, the company grew into a major employer with 175 to 200 workers, modern equipment, and a reputation for fair business practices and employee advancement.
The Racine Hosiery Company has become one of Racine’s fastest-growing manufacturing concerns, led by experienced officers with decades in the knitting trade. Founded in 1912 with just three machines, the plant has expanded to 29 machines and 35 employees, producing 820,000 pairs of silk and artificial silk stockings annually for markets nationwide.
The Horlick Malted Milk Company, founded in Racine in 1875 by William and James Horlick, grew from a local infant-food business into a worldwide enterprise. After years of experimentation, William Horlick created a powdered malted milk that kept indefinitely and became a staple for infants, explorers, armies, and travelers, while the company expanded its modern, sanitary plants and employee benefits.
With a trade that extends to all parts of the United States, the industry conducted under the name of the Racine Iron & Wire Works is manufacturing household supplies, chemical fire extinguishers, and wire and iron railings and fences. Wherever man has felt a need, ingenuity has sprung into the breach and genius has brought forth something that has met the need. Thus in our constantly developing and complex civilization the manufacturing interests have multiplied and here and there have sprung up cities that. are largely given over to supplying the world’s demand for labor saving devices. Such a concern … Read more