Evening star., 1944-04-02
Giving the Small Businessman Hand

ideas of how they could convert TO war
production.
Mr.. Luther is constantly foraging IN
the procurement channels for the more
than rs plants he already has on file.
In time, he added, his office hopes to
have the capabilities of 300 small plants
In the Washington area on file. He ex-
planned that many of these plants win
not need assistance now, but the sWPC
hopes to act as insurance against tbs
day when the threat of production
stoppage and mass employment rises
in full force.
When firm Is not able, like the Bur-
TONS to get direct contract, the SWPC
encourages the device of subcontracting,
which has been given impetus by she
war. Subcontracting permits large
firms, not able to do all their work, to
contract with smaller plants In a CO.
operative pool for smaller operations
necessary in creating the finished
product.
For example, the American Instru-
ment Co., manufacturers of laboratory
equipment and instruments at Silver
Spring, Md, recently received a con-
tract to produce $50 heliotropes, sig
mailing device used by the United States
Army Engineers. The company had no
facilities for building boxes in which to
put the finished instrument.
An appeal to the local SWPC Office
brought quick results. The Arlington
able to bid for the work and receive a
contract.
Because SWPC is informed of all
war procurements in the Nation, the
little man" in this area does not have
to feel himself remote and out of the
way. A boat builder in Georgetown is
being recommended by the local SWPC
office as having satisfactory equipment
to receive contract originating in Gin
cinnati, Ohio. The need, announced by
the Army Transport Command, is for
80 shallow-draft 27-foot boats.
Unique Orders
Sometimes the SWPC finds itself help
ing unique contributors to the war ef-
fort, as in the case of the Lowry Studios
of Takoma Park, firm normally en-
gagged in sculpture work with glass.
Willis G. Lowry, owner of the studios,
called upon the SWPC for aid when he
recently was offered a contract from
the Fred Gichner Iron Works of WASH
ington, to sand blast and dip-plant fms
used on British shells.
After investigating and approving Mr..
Lowry's concern, the SWPC agreed to
arrange for loan for him Of 5000
and also arrange for priorities so that
he could secure additional essential
equipment. Mr. Lowry has already be-
gun his vital chore for the iron works.
Helping him in the operation, which
required the hiring Of additional man
power, are eight students from the
Washington Missionary College, q
Seventt-Day Adventist institution,
which is located near his plant.
Probably the most interesting func-
ton to date performed by the SWPC
here Is its aid to the La Ciel Manufac-
turing Corp, 1915 Fourteenth street
NV, in securing contract to make
$4,000 women's undergarments and
$4,000 children's undergarments for
lease lend
Mrs Cell Jones, who has operated the
plant since 1896. said the SWPC was
large factor in her continuing In busi-
ness as a manufacturer of women's
underwear. Whereas normally she en-
ployed IL women, the plant is now PLAN
ming to hire so women on a 24-hour
shift.
Mrs. Jones explained that she decided
to seek a Government contract last year
when she found it almost impossible to
stay in business with the limited amount
of material available for making civilian
goods With no priorities, she said, the
firm was only allowed nine rolls Of
rayon- jersey fabric month. This ma
terial would be used up in four days.
Lease.Lend Panties
One day Mrs Jones found an an
nouncement from lease-lend in her mail
that 1t was opening bids for a panty
Of original design. She got busy, de-
signed a panty meeting specifications
and went after the contract
At first the Army inspected her plant
and turned her down because she did
not have enough equipment. Undaunted,
she sought the aid of the SWPC. At the
same time, Mrs. Jones discovered sew
Ing machines formerly used by the WPA
were being stored by the Treasury De-
partment. She pointed out to the SWPC
that this was the equipment she needed.
The SWPC got busy and was able to
arrange for Mrs, Jones to rent the sew
ing machines. 1t also guaranteed q
bank loan to her up to $4,000 II she
received the contract. Priorities for ma
terial were also secured. This satisfied
the Army inspectors and the contract
was signed.
Production has already begun on the
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