Friday, November 8, 2013

We used to make things in this country. #132: Superior Electrics Limited, Pembroke, Ontario



Superior Electrics Limited was founded in Pembroke, Ontario in 1917.  Over the years, it manufactured a range of electric appliances, including electric kettles, coffee makers, irons, toasters, hotplates, heaters, humidifiers, range hoods, oscillating fans, and air cleaners.  By one account, it was the first company to produce an electric clothes dryer, although its version involved a large cabinet with racks, equipped with a fan and electric element in the bottom.  At its height, the company employed more than 120 people.  After surviving 92 years in business, it closed its doors in November 2009, unable to compete with cheaper Chinese goods.

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