When meeting the members of the Chatham-Kent Consortium, I am always left with a sense of anticipation of the bright future that I believe awaits the manufacturing in C-K. And so it should be, for there is a long and storied history of significant manufacturing in the area. And one place to enjoy that past, is the Chatham-Kent Museum in downtown Chatham.

There is a wonderful exhibition of products made in Chatham-Kent at the museum. I recently visited there and learned about the Chatham Wagon, the Gray Dort, Glass Town and the Fanning Mill Capital of Canada!

The Chatham Manufacturing Company started in 1882 and grew tremendously in a short period. By 1887, 150 employees were producing 3000 wagons a year. The "Chatham" became the standard wagon of the Dominion and was widely exported. It was highly regarded for its ruggedness, ability to carry heavy loads and long working life. International Harvester was a major customer of the firm and was so impressed, they bought the Chatham Wagon Company in 1910. As we know, the wagon plant started to produce trucks in 1921.

The Gray family had a long history of innovation and manufacturing in Chatham-Kent. They manufactured carriages, sleighs and light wagons and became one of the largest producers in Canada. The carriage displayed at the Museum was built in 1898 and features a "tilt ahead front seat and a fold down rear seat. The Gray family was mindful of the evolving technology of the motor car and in a the early 1900's started manufacturing bodies for a number of companies, including Ford in Oakville. The pride and joy of the Museum's manufactured items might well be the 1919 Model 11 Touring Gray Dort. Established in 1906, the Chatham Motor Car Company joined forces with an American company, Dort Motor Company of Flint, Michigan to build Dort designed cars in Chatham. This vehicle was restored in Blenheim by Stan Uher of Classic Coachworks and has been designated a National Treasure.

But vehicles were not the only thriving industry in the Chatham-Kent area. In 1894, the Sydenham Glass Company commenced production and became one of the first companies to utilize automated bottle making machinery. The company operated under a variety of names until 1995. Wallaceburg was known at Glasstown.

Not to be left out, the agricultural manufacturing segment in Chatham-Kent was a major producer of fanning mills and the Manson Campbell Company (established in 1868) became the foremost fanning mill in the country.

Chatham-Kent manufacturers showed initiative and a willingness to venture into new areas. A proud tradition that continues today.