Dublin Core
Title
Jack
Subject
Industry
Description
This 8-ton model jack, made by the Hein-Werner Company, was used by local home builder Emil Kind to jack up and level sagging floor joists during construction in older buildings.
Originally known as the Milwaukee Circulating Pump and Manufacturing Co., it was started in 1919 by Gothard G. Hein in Milwaukee. It manufactured oil and water pumps for the automobile industry. In 1929, the company moved to Waukesha, building a plant at 1200 National Ave. Richard Werner joined the company as a partner, and the partners renamed the company Hein-Werner. The plant expanded several times and by 1947 totaled 116,000 square feet.
In 1931, the company began the development of hydraulic jacks. Hein-Werner almost went out of business during the Depression, but survived by introducing a new type of automotive floor jack. During WWII, it produced hydraulic components for the war effort. During the 1950’s and 1960’s, Hein Werner was the largest hydraulic jack manufacturer in the world. It also produced hydraulic control valves, cylinders, and pumps for industry, employing up to 365 people.
In 1962, the company expanded production to include hydraulically operated backhoes. As with other industries, the company outsourced manufacturing, and eventually the Hein-Werner name disappeared from Waukesha.
Loan from: Dan Carstens
Adopt an Artifact Sponsor: MetalTek Intertational's Wisconsin Centrifugal Division
Originally known as the Milwaukee Circulating Pump and Manufacturing Co., it was started in 1919 by Gothard G. Hein in Milwaukee. It manufactured oil and water pumps for the automobile industry. In 1929, the company moved to Waukesha, building a plant at 1200 National Ave. Richard Werner joined the company as a partner, and the partners renamed the company Hein-Werner. The plant expanded several times and by 1947 totaled 116,000 square feet.
In 1931, the company began the development of hydraulic jacks. Hein-Werner almost went out of business during the Depression, but survived by introducing a new type of automotive floor jack. During WWII, it produced hydraulic components for the war effort. During the 1950’s and 1960’s, Hein Werner was the largest hydraulic jack manufacturer in the world. It also produced hydraulic control valves, cylinders, and pumps for industry, employing up to 365 people.
In 1962, the company expanded production to include hydraulically operated backhoes. As with other industries, the company outsourced manufacturing, and eventually the Hein-Werner name disappeared from Waukesha.
Loan from: Dan Carstens
Adopt an Artifact Sponsor: MetalTek Intertational's Wisconsin Centrifugal Division
Creator
Hein-Werner Company
Publisher
Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum
Rights
Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum