The New English Dry Cleaning Company is a new UK-based, Connecticut company founded in 1912 by Rudolph J. Kloiber. It grew into the largest dry cleaning company in town and one of the largest in the center of Connecticut before being sold in 1974.
Video New Britain Dry Cleaning Corporation
Histori
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Rudolph J. Kloiber was born in what is now Gussing, Austria, in 1884. He immigrated to the United States in 1897 at the age of 13 and settled in Troy, New York, with his uncle and his uncle's family. In 1906, he became a citizen of the United States and moved to New York City to find work. In 1907, he met and married Margaret Rau, an immigrant from Gundersheim, Germany. In New York City he learned to wash dry and color trade. In 1911, Rudolph moved his wife and two children to New Britain, Connecticut. (Rudolph and Margaret eventually had four children: Lydia was born in 1908, Edgar in 1911, Dorothy in 1914, Woodrow in 1917. Edgar and Woodrow joined the company when they were in their 20s Dorothy died in an accident in childhood Lydia later married Sydney Steinberg and was not involved with the business.)
Company history
In 1912, at the age of twenty-eight, Rudolph, with the help and support of his wife, Margaret, introduced a dry cleaning service to New Britain, Connecticut, when he opened a two-person dry cleaning shop at 156 Arch Street. He named his shop the New British Purifier (later known as the New British Dry Cleaning Company and NB Cleaner). The New England Cleaner has remained the only dry cleaning in town for many years. After the initial struggle for survival, success and recognition gradually came to the company.
In 1914, Albert F. Eichstaedt, an early church acquaintance of Rudolph and Margaret, became interested in the business. The decision to join was made and on July 29, 1914, the business was founded under the laws of the State of Connecticut. The Establishment Certificate was issued on behalf of the New British Dry Cleaning Company with a base capital of 1,000 shares at a price of $ 25.00 per share or $ 25,000 ($ 562,347 in dollars 2011 according to US Online Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI Calculator statistics). Forty-eight (48) stocks of capital stock are issued to start a business, or $ 1,200 ($ 26,992 in dollars 2011). Customers for capital stock are: Rudolph J. Kloiber, 28 shares; Margaret R. Kloiber, 12 shares; and Albert F. Eichstaedt, 8 shares. The new company's officers and directors are Rudolph J. Kloiber, President and Director; Margaret R. Kloiber, Vice President and Director, and Albert F. Eichstaedt, Secretary, Treasurer, and Director.
In 1916 (January 6), the Board of Directors, recognizing the need for expansion, chose to purchase land and build a two-story building on 265 Cherry Street in New Britain. The land was purchased from Albert Eichstaedt for $ 250 ($ 5.159 in dollars 2011) in exchange for 10 shares of the company. To finance the cost of new buildings and equipment, two regional banks lent the company a total of $ 4,600 ($ 94,928 in 2011 dollars), and 112 additional shares were sold to the Board of Directors $ 25 per share for a total of $ 2,800 ($ 57,782). in dollars 2011).
In 1916, the gross revenues of the company were $ 7,000 ($ 144,456 in dollars 2011).
After the factory at 265 Cherry Street was completed in 1917, the growth and expansion of business became faster.
In 1918, a sales route was established, a branch store opened at 72 West Main Street, and the addition of new buildings and equipment was added to the Cherry Street plant.
In 1920 (March 6) at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the Treasurer reported assets of $ 14,014, sales of $ 27,110, and earnings of $ 3,636 ($ 157,614, $ 303,791 and $ 40,893 respectively, in 2011 dollars). At the meeting, the Board of Directors chose to purchase a corner property at Ellis and Cherry Streets (which is adjacent to the factory at 265 Cherry Street) if the plant needs to be expanded. The purchase price is $ 7,000 ($ 78,728 in dollars 2011). Note: Investing in real estate is always an integral part of the growth of corporate value.
In 1921, the Board of Directors once again demonstrated their desire to invest in real estate by purchasing land and buildings at 96 West Main Street for $ 29,000 ($ 364,426 in dollars 2011) from S. Waskowtiz. Financing is through the use of corporate income, additional shares of capital sold to the Board of Directors, and bank mortgages. After purchase, the branch shop at 72 West Main Street was transferred to the 96 West Main Street property.
In 1922 (January), the company built and rented a garage and warehouse building at 96 West Main Street to Connecticut Light and Power Company for $ 2,100 per year ($ 28,117 in dollars 2011).
In 1924 (February 6), at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, a major decision in the history of the Corporation was made, namely to sell property in Cherry and Ellis Streets and to build a new modern dry cleaning plant at 411- 415 West Main Street. Property at 411-415 West Main Street was purchased from S. Waskowitz for $ 17,000 ($ 223,623 in 2011 dollars) and a building was built for $ 33,232 ($ 437,144 in dollars in 2011) to build the business and provide a six-room apartment for the Kloiber Family. Additional funds were spent on large installations of steam, plumbing, and electricity.
In 1925 (January), a new 16,000 square foot factory at 411-415 West Main Street was occupied. This factory includes administrative offices, shipping rack routes, and room for dry cleaning, spotting, finishing, and dyeing department. At the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in February, the property at 383 West Main Street, previously purchased as a possible place for the new plant, was selected for sale and realized profit applied to the new plant. Later in the year, the company sold its buildings and properties on 265 Cherry Street to Crown Ice Cream Company.
In 1926 (January 30), at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, new business in real estate investment was discussed by the Board of Directors. A resolution to build a sales and garage space for a Motor Lash Sales Company on a property already acquired by the Corporation near the main plant has been approved. The building is estimated to cost $ 13,960 ($ 177,409 in dollars 2011) with rental income of $ 3,000 ($ 38,125 in dollars 2011) per year.
1926 marks the temporary end of the rapid growth and expansion period of the dry cleaning business that began in 1916. While the records show that from 1926 to 1930 the volume of dollar profitability increased substantially, the Directors took note of themselves by consolidating their business profits.
In 1933, Edgar, 22, (the eldest son of Rudolph) joined the company.
During the early years of depression, management struggled to keep the business solvent. Wages and salaries cut into bones. The price of dry cleaning was cut. To meet the new cut-rate competition, the plant is shortened in an effort to reduce costs and improve efficiency. In 1936, the future seemed brighter and the Board of Directors chose to build an addendum to the back of the factory for the new carpet cleaning department. New blanket binders, dryer dryers, and blinds dryer are also purchased today.
In 1936 (April), Albert Eichstaedt, Secretary, Treasurer, and Director retired from business. His share interests of 672 shares were bought by the company for $ 18,500 ($ 299,379 in dollars 2011) and his shares have retired as treasury stock. Edgar R. Kloiber, was elected Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.
In 1940, Woodrow, 23, (Rudolph's youngest son) joined the company.
From 1937 to 1942, the New Britain Dry Cleaning Company underwent a complete change in advertising, sales and production methods. The branch shops opened at 388 Main Street and 45 Main Street in New Britain, and 1037 Main Street in Newington, Connecticut. Route services improved to three routes. New services introduced include cold fleece storage, blocking caps, and cleaning of furs and skins. Sales increased from $ 58,645 in 1937 to $ 100,473 in 1942 ($ 916,079 to $ 1,386,521 in 2011 dollars).
During wartime, the growth of the dry cleaning industry was limited so the company invested in real estate.
In 1943, the company purchased a business block at 60 West Main Street from a local New Britain bank, for $ 47,500 ($ 617,607 in dollars 2011).
In 1945, the company purchased buildings and land in 94 West Main Street from Mrs. Neal Caldwell for $ 30,000 ($ 374,898 in dollars 2011).
In 1946 (May), the Board of Directors voted to overhaul the building at 60 West Main Street at a cost of $ 28,679.11 ($ 330,821 in dollars 2011). The building is called "Kloiber Building" which provides three business stores on the ground floor and a modern office on the second floor.
In 1946, the company had 5 stores (one in the main factory, three in New Britain, and one in Newington). The Treasurer's report for that year shows sales of $ 195,003 ($ 2,249,424 in dollars 2011) and rental income from investment properties of $ 14,710.00 ($ 169,684 in dollars 2011).
In 1947, Rudolph, founder, President, and Director of Dry Cleaning Corporation of Great Britain died at the age of 63, a billionaire (in dollars 2011). At a special meeting of the Board of Directors, Edgar R. Kloiber, 36, was elected President and Treasurer, and Woodrow G. Kloiber, 30, was appointed Assistant Treasurer and Secretary. Margaret, one of the founders, remained Vice President and Corporate Director until her death in 1969.
In 1951, the company expanded its operations to include a washing shirt. The laundry department started with two women doing 1,000 shirts a week. In 1954, the operation was expanded fivefold to 5,000 shirts per week.
In 1953, total sales have surged to $ 300,000 ($ 2,538,449 in 2011 dollars).
In 1954, the company's estimated share of total cleaning volume in the New Britain region was 70%. Cash and carry trade (compared to men who take and deliver clothes) accounted for about 75% of the company's volume.
Also in 1954, big decisions faced by management. The problem is whether to buy new, more efficient dry cleaning equipment that will improve productivity and provide better service to their customers or wait, because (1) management knows that their dry cleaning equipment is quite new and has been kept in excellent condition, (2) the country is in the midst of recession, (3) business, in general, subsided across the country because of the recession, and (4) economists warned the company to proceed with caution. However, Edgar and Woodrow Kloiber tend to be optimistic about the future of their company because, despite the two world wars, the Great Depression, and the current recession, business has grown steadily, year after year, since 1912 when it was founded. They feel that most of the growth is attributed to the company's policy of delivering better and better services to the public. The newly emerging dry cleaning system offers a better way to process clothing and improve service. After weighing the pros and cons, they decided to spend more than $ 40,000 ($ 335,943 in dollars 2011) on new dry cleaning equipment. The new equipment replaces a number of smaller dry cleaning units, frees up more production space, and frees employees for other jobs in the factory. Two dry cleaners can now do three jobs and find a job down by 70%. The net result is that production costs are decreasing, production capacity doubled, and processing time is cut in half.
In 1955, there were 65 employees, 5 introductory delivery routes, and 9 stores (seven in New Britain, including one in the main factory and one in the center of the Kloiber Building, one in Newington, and one in West Hartford, Connecticut).
In 1962, to better serve the community, the company opened the UK's first dry cleaning and laundry combination - NB Clean-O-Mat - at 987 West Main Street.
In 1967, there were 60 employees and 11 stores (eight in New Britain, including stores in the main factory, and respectively in Newington, Plainville, Connecticut, and Wethersfield, Connecticut).
The company grew to become one of the largest dry cleaning companies in central Connecticut because of its policy of offering the best possible cleaning at the lowest possible price in line with quality services. There are specialized departments for dry cleaning, fur, tapestry, blankets and curtains; and for washing shirts. Waterproof clothing and waterproof clothing are also offered. There are also cold storage cold storage cabinets that are specially constructed for feathers and other clothing that need to be stored at cold temperatures for long periods of time.
In 1969, Margaret Kloiber, co-founder, Vice President, and Corporate Director, died at the age of 93. At a special meeting of the Board of Directors, Woodrow Kloiber became Vice President, Assistant Treasurer, and Secretary.
In 1969, as a result of being displaced by the new 72-way highway that divides New Britain, the main plant moved for the last time to a new facility at 544 West Main Street.
In 1974, a major merger occurred when Edgar Kloiber and Woodrow Kloiber were ready to retire. They sold the business to Williard Moneymaker and John Moneymaker, owner of Howards Cleaners Inc. The purpose of purchase is to maintain a high working volume, improve the efficiency of both companies, and stabilize prices. Both companies retain their respective names for marketing purposes and the main factories of New Dry Cleaning Corporation serve both companies because of their modern equipment, including fully contribute and computerized dry cleaning systems.
Working conditions
Working conditions at the dry cleaning and laundry plants during the summer are very hot, temperatures often rise up to 100 degrees or more. Salt tablets are the norm of the day. Modern air conditioners, even if available, do not fit in the factory. Rudolph, and then his sons, do all they can to make working conditions on the shop floor by opening windows, using fans, and scheduling work breaks because they care about their employees and recognizing the value of happy, experienced, and faithful employees. They reward their employees with regular salary increases and bonuses. They encourage suggestions to improve the operations of each department in the business. They host holiday parties and outings for their employees regularly and respect the old employees at the right time.
Many articles have appeared in New Britain Herald for years that mention surprise bonuses, parties, testimonials, and outings for employees as a reward for their work. For example, the New Britain Herald reported that employees of the New Britain Dry Cleaning Corporation were shocked when they received their regular payments in July, bonuses from earnings made during the months of April, May, and June totaling eight percent for employees who had worked for three month and four percent to employees who have worked less than three months.
The holiday season is the traditional time to announce year-end bonuses. For example, in 1945, the New Britain Herald reported that after Christmas dinner, Rudolph Kloiber gave bonuses to employees based on the time they worked for the company. Employees who work five or more years receive a 15% bonus from their quarterly wages; those who work one to four years, receive 10%; and those who work six months to a year receive 5% of their quarterly wages.
On December 13, 1948, the New Britain Herald reported that during the annual drying party of the new Dry Dry Company, bonuses were awarded to all employees by Woodrow Kloiber on the following basis: A one-week payment is given to employees who have been in the company for a year or more, and half-week payments for employees hired during the previous six months. A $ 628 ($ 578 in dollars 2011) donation was given to ailing former employees.
Testimonials and rewards for employees who achieve service milestones or when retirement are the norm. The watch is given to employees who reach 25 years of service. In an article appearing on the New Britain Herald on December 20, 1967, it was reported that Mr. Frank Merkle, retired after 50 years of work, is presented with color television from the company and a wallet of money from employees at the company's annual Christmas party. An image that accompanies the article shows Mr. Merkle with five other old employees who numbered 193 years of service with the company.
Another way to keep in touch with employees is a monthly bulletin published by the company and distributed to all workers. Called Spotfinder, this small publication includes news of the anniversary, retirement, illness, sympathy expression to those who lost family members, etc., all interspersed with jokes and news about past employees. The issue of 1 November 1944 emphasized the rights of workers as citizens. The problem states "The Spotfinder has no political affiliation and has no intention to speak politics, but the duty of self and the state of all eligible to vote to cast their vote on November 7, and hopefully the best man wins." On our local country ticket, we have, as most of us know, one of our own co-op who runs for Country Representation on Democratic tickets, none other than Sophie Liss from the silk finishing department and Spotfinder is happy to congratulate her on her fast pace in politics and expecting his luck in this campaign. "
Community engagement
The new British Dry Cleaning Corporation serves many organizations in the community as well as their retail customers. Among the company's services cleaned up the New Britain High School soccer uniform and cleaned the Normal School blinds and covers. The workers will go to Normal School, remove all curtains and reassemble them when finished.
In addition to managing the company, Rudolph Kloiber is personally active in community affairs. He is a deacon and member of the People's Church on Court Street, member of the Order of Labor and Patron, and a member of Lions Club International, the New Britain chapter. Rudolph is also famous for helping blind people and being a member of the Lions Club's Blinds for many years. In 1946, during his leadership on the committee, he donated, free of charge, the use of the building he owned at 92 West Main Street for the blind living in New Britain and the surrounding towns. Rudolph, and members of the Lions Club, renovating buildings to include rooms for recreation, education, and social gatherings. Ground floor retail stores were put into renovations for the sale of goods made by the blind.
At the state level, Rudolph is a member of the Connecticut Cleaners and Dyers State Advisory Committee to work with the State Consumer Committee in dealing with dry cleaning and immersion of consumer problems in the state. The advisory committee, which consists of representatives of retail dry cleaners, chain store cleaners, and wholesale cleaners, is an authoritative source through which information from the State Consumer Committee is distributed to the cleaning and dyeing industry. The Committee also makes suggestions as to which policy or method should be adopted by the State Consumer Committee.
End of era
In what began as a two-person dry cleaning business in 1912 grew into a strong and successful business in the UK. The new British Dry Cleaning Corporation became the largest dry cleaning company in New Britain and one of the largest in the center of Connecticut before it was sold in 1974, 62 years after it was founded. Success was achieved through difficult times (World War I, Great Depression, and World War II) and prosperous times (two postwar recovery) due to Rudolph Kloiber, and later Edgar Kloiber's and Woodrow Kloiber, willingness to take calculated and cared risks their employees as evidenced in this history.
Finally, all the men who run the Dry Cleaning Corporation of New England have died. Rudolph died in 1947 as stated earlier; Woodrow died in 1992; and Edgar died in 2006.
Maps New Britain Dry Cleaning Corporation
See also
- List of cleaning companies
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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