SAW MAN, MILK MAN, EGG MAN, MILLINER

Recently, I toured the W.D. Quinn Saw Company with a friend who needed  a special blade for a wood working project.

The Company is unusual  in that it was founded by the "saw man" who  came to the United States from Europe in 1903.  It is still maintained and  run by the family and heirs  of the original "saw man."

Through the years the business has known good and some times hard times.  It has become one
of the few saw companies remaining that has survived the original hand-operations of its founder.
It is now automated. and serves customers throughout the globe.

The plant is housed in a small, modest shack-like building in an industrial section of St. Louis, Missouri. Our tour was conducted by the Company's President who took pride in the seven generations of family  members who have built the company and still incorporate the standards
for product excellence and service of its founder.

The company sharpens blades of  all sizes from very small ones to very large.  The blades can cut through wood, plastic, steel and aluminum.  They are used in making furniture, airplanes and car frames. Sharpening is largely accomplished by automation using robotic arms and small microphones and lasers to adjust the sharpening materials and to warn of malfunction when necessary.

The experience left me with a profound understanding of what the immigration debate is all about.
It reminded me of so many people who came to this country more than a century ago for the opportunities this country offered and still offers people of different beliefs and abilities.

It reminded me too of the men and women who brought skills and experience  to this country to start anew and like the "saw man" or the "milk and egg man" or the "milliner" who once traveled from place to place by horse, now could led all of us toward the future through automation.

If you are at all interested in seeing where the future is leading us go to the W.D. Saw Co.  at www.quinnsaw.com