1920s

  • Joseph F. Ahearn and Per H. Enlund were hired to convert to machine and tool and die operation, as safety pins proved difficult to manufacture and sell.
  • IBM (located in Endicott, NY less than 10 miles from Universal headquarters) calls upon UIC for precision tool and die machining.
  • Company also begins tooling parts for local washing machine manufacturers.
  • Business continues to grow and expands into a larger facility at 20 Wall Street.
  • Universal shareholders earn dividend on profits.

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Joseph F. Ahearn joined Universal in 1922 and assumed general management responsibility; was directly-responsible in getting the company off the ground.

Per “Hank” Enlund also joined the company in 1922; oversaw early shop operations. His prior expertise was instrumental in developing Universal into a precision tool and die manufacturing company.

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This is an image of Universal’s employees working at the 20 Wall Street factory.

Carl E Davis, a superb metalworking craftsman, operates the Swiss Jig Borer which helped establish Universal’s early expertise in precision machining.

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A couple additional points in history:

  • International Business Machines begins in the newly formed village of Endicott, NY.
  • First radio broadcast; only 30% of country has electricity, and of that, only 30% have radio receivers.
  • Charles Lindbergh solos across Atlantic, New York City to Paris in 33 hours. His all-metal aircraft, “The Spirit of St. Louis,” uses a magneto made by the Scintilla Magneto Company of Sidney, New York.
  • The flight spurs Edwin A. Link, Jr. to use the apparatus and compressed air of his father’s organ company in an effort to build an aircraft operation trainer.
  • The Great Depression begins with the October 29, 1929 New York City’s Wall Street stock market crash.