The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1916-01-28
The Location of a Factory

CBy G. W. Dudderar, secretary-treas'
urer of the board Of trade.)
Did you ever stop to consider why
factories locate IN any city? II not
let me outline to you the process
usually followed by wise and ulti'
mately successful manufacturing con-
Germs.
Up to a period of not more than
ten years ago no extensive considera-
ton seemed to be given by manufac-
turers to study and investigation OF
various locations. In those times IL
was simply to locate somewhere con-
yenient where they would have plen-
ty Of room. The manufacturer, as
natural to expect, was more absorbed
in turning out his product and the
question OF location was a matter OF
second thought.
Today we see the results OF this,
large as well as small concerns, are
Hooking for new locations, many OF
them regret their present location
and are investigating other sections,
in order to cut down fuel and trans
ortation bills. Competition in re-
cctive lines Of manufacture Is now
SO keen that manufacturers desiring
TO locate are beginning to go about
it in a systematic manner and 60
into such details as will enable them
to decide on a location that Is best
suited for their particular interests
Usually the manufacturer who
contemplates a change Of location
lays out a general plan Of his pro-
posed factory, making reasonable al
lowances for future extensions, neces-
sary railroad tracks, ample storage
and future growth. then statistics
showing data relative to the economic
assemblage Of raw material. includ-
ing fuel and the distribution Of fin
ished product are gathered as well
as a careful study made OF local
transportation facilities, labor condi-
lions, etc.
Local City Data.
Chambers OF commerce or boards
OF trade of the various cities being
investigated are called into action
and the railroad Industrial agents are
also called upon for information.
The manufacturer usually wants ac-
cess to a map Of the city showing
thereon various factory sites. their
proximity to railroad and water, he
wants information about the water
supply. whether owned by the city,
the size OF the water mains, pressure.
cost per thousand gallons. whether
on fiat rate or meter. analysis OF
same. etc. Question Of sewage Is US
ually regarded as important In most
states. Sanitation laws must be
strictly observed. State board OF
health rules must be looked up and
specifications Of the construction of
factory planned accordingly. While
in our city the prospective manufac-
turer will look up questions OF as
sessed valuations, also what percen-
Itage this bears to real valuation, tax
rates a~scertained, information Of in
surance rate on factory buildings and
equipment Of various cities COM
pared. In this connection he In
quires as to fire protection, how far
Is factory site from fire engine house.
kind Of fre alarm system. II any.
source Of water supply for protec-
ton, as all OF these questions have
a strong influence upon insurance
rates Independent Of the class OF
buildings to be erected. City regula-
lions bearing upon the labor situa-
ton, data as to schools. churches.
street paving. drinking water sup
ply. health and sanitary conditions.
cleanliness and beauty Of the city and
social conditions, all having a con-
adorable bearing upon the issue, sec,
A. "H| .AN." .N 4.