Full page ad for ZAPON.KERATOL DIVISION of the ATLAS POWDER COMPANY, STAMFORD, CONN April 1942 "Luggage & Leather Goods," page 45

The supply of many of our essential raw materials has been definitely curtailed. A further reduction of the supply of these raw materials is to be expected over the coming months. Other raw materials and supplies, now available in quantity, will surely be added to the restricted list.
THIS MEANS THAT THE PODUCTIOW OF THIS PLANT WILL BE DEPENDENT ON THE AMOUNT AND KIND OF RAW MATERIALS WHICH WE CAN OBTAIN RATHER THAW ON THE DEMAND FOR THE PRODUCTS WE MAKE.
It is therefore obvious that it is to the interest of every employee to do his utmost to avoid the waste of every kind of raw material we use.
You can cooperate by avoiding spoilage, producing the maximum possible percentage of first class goods, reporting leaks, eliminating spillage, and avoid waste by keeping the usage of ALL kinds of supplies and materials to a minimum.

Association News for the Luggage & Leather Goods Manufacturers of America, Inc. in the August 1942 "Luggage & Leather Goods," (page 22) provides some insight into the pain and uncertainty the tightening materials restrictions cause manufacturers.

Must We Close for the Duration? Association Says NO!

"With the publication in quick succession during the past month by the War Production Board of Order M-1S4, eliminating the use of plastics in numerous industry products; Order M-194, limiting our supply of heavy leathers; and most drastic of all, Order M-136 as amended, prohibiting the use of iron and steel, except for locks and essential hardware for joining, the question "must we close for the duration?" has been foremost in the minds and conversation of our manufacturers.
We say that the answer to that question i.s "No." We say there'll be luggage and leather goods made throughout the duration. The very wording of the restrictions imposed upon us indicates that it is not the intention of the Government to put us out of business. There has been no direct stop order issued to the industry. Nor has there been a mandatory conversion to war production. This would seem to indicate an acknowledgement on the part of War Production Board authorities that luggage and leather goods are essential needs for war time as for peace time. It is important to establish clearly the fact that even under these new restrictions, we can still manufacture luggage and leather goods. We can still sell luggage and leather goods. It may be more difficult to do it! But it can be done!

Industry Warned Restrictions Were Imminent

Actually, of course, the Amendment to the Iron and Steel 'Conservation came as no surprise to this industry. As far back as February, this Association cautioned members that restrictions were in sight. At our convention last May, War Production Board officials cautioned us that our industry had been singularly fortunate in being able to obtain metal parts for its products. They pointed out that the shortage in iron and steel was growing acute, and that its urgent need for war commodities would necessitate its elimination from civilian products, no matter how essential they might be.
Foresighted manufacturers have, therefore, been preparing for this contingency, first by converting as much of their facilities to war work as possible, and secondly, by simplifying their lines to eliminate all unnecessary metal trimmings.
Indications are that the maintenance of every manufacturer's business will depend upon his ability to adopt either or both of these courses immediately.
In some respects, the Amendment to the M-126 Order, drastic as it may be, brings a sense of relief to the industry. Anyone reading the headlines of war news, with one story after another de-Voted to the metal shortage, and to the complete stoppage of all consumer durable goods, could foresee that a prohibition on our metals would be forthcoming. It was expected in some circles that such prohibition might entail an absolute cessation of all luggage production. The exemption of locks and essential small hardware for joining is, therefore, exceedingly good news. It carries the assurance, as pointed out above, that we can and will still manufacture luggage and leather goods.

The August 1942 issue of "Luggage & Leather Goods" filled in details of new price restrictions for manufacturers and retailers. (page 46)

Restrict Use of Rubber Cement

Strict prohibitions on the use of rubber cement were put into effect by the War Production Board, July 31, after investigations by the Compliance Branch showed that large amounts of rubber cement were being consumed for luggage, handbags, novelties and other non-essential purposes.
A new order (M-lS-f) forbids the use of rubber cement in a specific list of articles, whether or not the cement was manufactured before the effective date of existing rubber restrictions contained in Order M-15Jb. In most cases investigated by the Compliance Branch, sellers claim that the cement was manufactured before the imposition of Order M-15-b.
The latter order barred the use of crude rubber, latex, reclaimed rubber or scrap rubber in the manufacture of rubber cement, except for certain permitted uses. No restrictions were contained on the sale of cements which had already been manufactured.
The order announced July 31 prohibits the sale, transfer or use of rubber cement the manufacture, repair, combining, laminating, coating, impregnating or treating of luggage, handbags, belts, pocketbooks, wallets, key rings and cases, hats or other millinery, cosmetic appliances, cosmetic bags, tobacco pouches, materials for emblems (including fur or embroidered materials for emblems), pennants, chevrons, appliques or other similar decorative materials, and in fabrics.
In order to prevent unnecessary hardship, the order permits the unrestricted use of amounts up to a total of five gallons in one or more of the forbidden operations the exception applying only to cements on hand on the effective date of the order.

WPB Order on Iron and Steel

An amendment by the War Production Board to M-126, the iron and steel conservation order, restricts the use of iron and steel in luggage, trunks and other products of this industry. The amendment, which became effective on July 13, 1942, which does not apply to products being made for the government, reads as follows:
1. RAW MATERIAL DELIVERIES. After July 13th, 1942, no person may deliver or accept delivery of any iron and steel which he knows or has reason to know will be used to make any item on SUPPLEMENTARY LIST A, or part thereof.
Fabrication Restrictions
2. FABRICATION. Manufacturers of iron and steel products to be used in any of the above items have 30 days after July 13, 1942 to put into process any iron and steel for them. However, they may not put into process more than 75% of the average monthly weight of all metals used for the making of such items, or parts thereof, during 1941, nor may they put any item or part into process unless it will be completed within the 30 day period. After August 12, no person may process any iron or steel to make any item on SUPPLEMENTARY LIST A, or part thereof, containing any iron or steel.
3. ASSEMBLY. After September 11, 1942, no person may assemble any item on SUPPLEMENTARY LIST A, or part thereof, containing any iron or steel.
4. FINISHED ITEM DELIVERIES. No person may deliver or accept delivery of any item on SUPPLEMENTARY LIST A, or part thereof, which he knows or has reason to know was fabricated, assembled, or delivered in violation of this Order.
Any appeal from the provisions of this order must be made on Form PD-SOO and must be filed with the field office of the War Production Board for the district in which the plant to which the appeal relates is located.

Categories: 1942, Materials