Tools

Flatware production begins again at Sherrill Manufacturing

By WKTV News

Story Created: Sep 1, 2011 at 10:16 AM EDT

Story Updated: Sep 1, 2011 at 10:16 AM EDT

SHERRILL, N.Y. (WKTV) - Manufacturing has begun again at Sherrill Manufacturing.

According to a statement posted on the company's website, Sherrill Manufacturing will resume flatware production. The company says the first production run will last for 6-8 weeks and was made possible by a substantial order that the company received for "made in America product."

This is good news for the company, especially after last year being forced to lay off more than 80 employees after losing a contract with their largest customer to China.

The current manufacturing site was established by the Oneida community in the early 1800s. The original factory manufactured bear traps, canned goods and leather items. In the late 1800s, the facility began to produce silverware. Ownership passed to Oneida Ltd. in 1880 and production was dramatically increased through the 1990s.

Facing stiff competition from importers in combination with changing market conditions, Oneida Ltd. was forced to cease manufacturing operations in North America and sold the facility to Sherrill Manufacturing on March 22, 2005. Current owners Matthew Roberts and Gregory Owens founded SMI to operate as an independent supplier to Oneida Ltd.

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