Chicago Construction News staff writer
Marshalltown Hammer Co., a manufacturer of construction tools, has received a $5 million grant from the state of Illinois to acquire and revitalize the former Vaughan & Bushnell manufacturing facility in Bushnell. The investment is aimed at preserving more than 100 full-time jobs and ensuring that the site, a cornerstone of American manufacturing for more than a century, continues to produce high-quality tools for the construction industry.
The $5 million grant, announced today by local leaders and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), will help Marshalltown Hammer modernize the facility, update equipment, and rebuild inventory, ensuring the Bushnell plant remains competitive and continues its legacy of American-made craftsmanship.
“Today, we celebrate a significant moment for Bushnell and the entire region,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “The collaboration between the state, local partners, and Marshalltown Hammer demonstrates what’s possible when we invest in Illinois’ manufacturing sector and support the hardworking people who make it thrive. This project will strengthen the local economy and secure jobs for future generations.”
Marshalltown Hammer, a subsidiary of MARSHALLTOWN, acquired the Vaughan & Bushnell manufacturing site earlier this year, continuing the legacy of a company that has been making hand tools for the construction industry since 1890. The acquisition ensures that the Bushnell facility, which has produced iconic products like hammers and pry bars for over 155 years, will remain operational and competitive in a changing market.
Joe Carter, president and CEO of MARSHALLTOWN, thanked the state for its vital support in securing the future of the facility. “Without this grant, Marshalltown Hammer would not have been able to undertake this challenging yet necessary step to preserve these jobs and restore this historic site,” Carter said. “This investment is crucial not just for the people of Bushnell, but for American manufacturing as a whole.”
The grant will fund a variety of improvements, including the purchase of new material handling equipment, repairs to production machinery, and the installation of advanced robotics for grinding. The upgrades are intended to enhance productivity and ensure the facility remains a state-of-the-art operation, while also helping to meet increasing demand for high-quality construction tools.
In addition to the facility upgrades, Marshalltown Hammer has committed to enhancing the quality of work life for its employees. These improvements include higher wages, enhanced healthcare benefits, and the clearing of medical debt carried over from previous ownership. The company is also reestablishing a competitive employee 401(k) retirement plan and ensuring that employees’ years of service are preserved for retirement purposes.
“The commitment from Marshalltown Hammer to its workforce is an example of the kind of corporate responsibility that benefits not just the company but the entire community,” said Kim Pierce, president and CEO of the McDonough Area Economic Development Corp. (MAEDCO). “This investment will help secure the future of manufacturing in Bushnell and provide stable, well-paying jobs for years to come.”
Bushnell Mayor Robin Wilt echoed those sentiments, saying, “Marshalltown Hammer’s investment in our community is a tremendous opportunity for our region. We are thrilled to see this historic company continue its operations here and remain an important part of our local economy.”
Mark Denzler, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, also praised the state’s support for the project. “Illinois has a rich manufacturing history, and today’s investment ensures that companies like Marshalltown Hammer continue to make high-quality, Made-in-America products right here in our state,” Denzler said.
The partnership between the state of Illinois, Marshalltown Hammer, and the local community underscores the importance of investing in key industries that drive economic growth, while also preserving American manufacturing jobs in communities like Bushnell.
Marshalltown Hammer is part of the MARSHALLTOWN family of American-made tool brands, known for producing high-quality tools for the construction industry since 1890. The company is committed to maintaining a tradition of excellence in manufacturing and innovation, supporting the American workforce and economy.
