Untitled Document

VEL1E MOTOR VEHICLE COMPANY

The Velie Carriage Company was organized in 1902 by W. L. Velie, and his brothers, C. D. Velie, of Minneapolis, and S. H. Velie, of Kansas City; and C. C. Webber, of Minneapolis, and George X. Peek, of Oniaha.

The first factory building was four stories in height with dimensions 80x400 feet. It was equipped with the 'highest grade machinery, all operated by electricity. Velie wrought iron vehicles at once forged to the front and the original factory building was taxed to its capacity. Additional buildings were erected in 1904 and 1909 and today the Velie product is manufactured in two factory buildings, four stories high, with a total floor space of 376,000 square feet. Velie vehicles are built all one grade only. The annual production for the last few years has been from 25,000 to 30,000 vehicles. Only the most skilled labor is employed and the workmen are given steady employment throughout the year. Launched in August, 1908, the Velie Motor Vehicle Company has already firmly established itself among the foremost of Moline's industries.

It manufactures medium-priced automobiles of exceptional value. The policy of the company has been to concentrate on one chassis, which gives economy and affords a better product. All the manufacturing of the small parts, in addition to the major portion of the work on the motors, is carried on in Velie buildings.

Heavy parts for the bis trucks are also manufactured by the company. The company's plant is of modern construction, and has been pronounced one of the best plants in the country. There are three buildings all five stories in height, each having ground dimensions of 100x400 feet. All are of handsome vitrified brick and reinforced concrete. They are absolutely fireproof, well lighted and ventilated, and working conditions are as sanitary as it is possible to make them.

The shops are equipped with the best machinery available. A spacious warehouse gives the company ample storage space and makes possible the purchase of raw materials in large quantities. The Velie Motor Vehicle Company is affiliated with one of the largest manufacturing organization in the country—Deere & Company. Stockholders of the Velie company are all interested in the Deere concern and business of the two companies is closely interwoven, the major portion of the Velie sales being carried on through houses of the John Deere Plow Company.

The present capital of the Velie company is $1,500,000, and its directors are Willard L. Velie. Stephen H. Velie, Charles D. Velie. George X. Peek and Charles C. Webber. W. L. Velie is president and general manager. The Velie Engineering Company, situated at Twenty-fifth street. Moline, is a branch of the Velie Motor Vehicle Company, and is manufacturing a full line of commercial cars

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