AUGUSTA — Not the click of a clasp, but a turn of a key will signal the end of an era in Augusta. On Dec. 31, the thump and clatter of fasteners being created at the F.A. Neider Company will be quieted for good.
Until then, the 10 remaining workers don their eye protection and ear plugs — the factory is noisy — and go about filling their remaining orders for molding clips and a small variety of fasteners associated with the company.
“I am the person who opens the door in the morning every day; I guess I will be the last one out the door when it closes,” said Larry Lacey, F.A. Neider Company vice president.
It’s parent company Auto Vehicle Parts Company, Au-ve-co, in Cold Spring is closing the Neider operation, said Lacey.
F.A. Neider began his company in 1883 as an outlet for his inventive nature and to meet a need for fasteners.
“At first it was called Excelsior Handle Company; in 1885 reworked things and change the name to his own name. Some of F.A. Neider’s inventions are still in use today, like the peerless turn fastener, which is used on things like purses and canvas covers on vehicles. He actually invented many of the items and machines to make the things he wanted to make,” said Lacey.
Since 1883 the F.A. Neider Company has been stamping out metal pieces for everything from saddle and upholstery tacks in the 1800s to basic hardware and custom colored fasteners for antique cars today. Some of the equipment in use in the factory today is the same used in the early 1900s, said Lacey.
Lacey had been working for Neider’s about a year when it was sold 41 years ago to Frank Homan of Au-ve-co. “When he bought it, he began modernization. He made it a real good place to work. He introduced profit sharing plans for the employees and his efforts made this place what it was in its heyday,” said Lacey.
F.A. Neider Company relied on the automotive industry, especially General Motors and the big auto makers.
“At one time, this entire area was full of presses just to make parts for car companies,” said Lacey of a large area dotted with a break table and a few palates of materials. It had been converted from a courtyard and given a roof to accommodate modernization needs. The roar of nearly a dozen tumblers, polishing the sharp edges off freshly tooled metal could be heard in the background of another part of the aged brick building.
“They were about 70 percent of our business in the 1970s, but when they would go on strike it hurt us,” said Lacey.
Now most of the parts are made for after-market vehicles.
“We get a lot of orders for items for antique cars,” said Lacey.
Because it would be too costly to upgrade the company’s equipment to modern standards, much of the old stamping equipment may be sold for scrap; tooling operations for many of the items have been sold to other businesses, said Lacey.
“The building is 44,000 square feet and it is for sale as well,” said Lacey.
In 2001, Au-ve-co moved into a new building in Cold Spring; F.A. Neider Company employees have been offered jobs at the Cold Springs operation, where bulk items are packaged for resale.
“Some have decided to find jobs elsewhere, some are taking the offer and others have just decided to look around for something closer to home. There are two of us retiring. I have been here 42 years. I am retiring and Charles Bevard, who has been here around 29 years is also retiring,” said Lacey.
As he locks the door for the last time Lacey will be taking away four decades of experience and the memories of the people who made F.A. Neider Company a great place to work.
“The people here have been a tremendous work force. They were dedicated and still are; they are a pleasure to work with,” said Lacey.
Loss of the business activity and local job base has been a concern for Augusta City Council members.
“I hope we can find another business to come into the building. We need to draw attention to what Augusta has to offer. It is devastating to have the company close here,” said Kevin Adams, council member.
For more area news, go to https://maysville-online.com.
Contact Wendy Mitchell at wendy.mitchell@lee.net or call 564-9091, ext. 276.
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