Wickes Brothers

The Wickes Brothers were instrumental in the industrial development of Saginaw, Michigan, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Henry D. Wickes and Edward N. Wickes, originally from New York, relocated to Flint, Michigan, in 1854 and became involved in the lumber industry. In 1860, they established the Genesee Iron Works, a foundry and machine shop specializing in plow shares, miscellaneous castings, and repair services. Recognizing the logistical advantages of proximity to raw materials, they moved their operations to East Saginaw in 1864, renaming the business Wickes Brothers. 

The company gained prominence by manufacturing the Wickes Gang Saw, an innovative sawmill machine that significantly improved lumber processing efficiency. This machine’s design allowed for the simultaneous cutting of multiple boards from a single log, enhancing productivity and reducing waste. By 1887, over 300 of these gang saws were in operation across the United States and Canada, solidifying Wickes Brothers’ reputation in the lumber industry. 

In addition to sawmill machinery, Wickes Brothers expanded into producing heavy engine lathes and specialized in crankshaft lathes for the auhttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpgotive and heavy engine manufacturing sectors. Their product line also included stationary boilers, leading to the establishment of the Wickes Boiler Company as a separate entity. 

The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its numerous patents, spanning from 1872 to 1954, covering advancements in sawmills, gang saws, and boiler technology. 

In 1947, Wickes Brothers merged with Wickes Boiler and the United States Graphite Company to form the Wickes Corporation, a diversified manufacturing conglomerate. This merger marked a new chapter in the company’s history, expanding its influence beyond Saginaw and into various industrial sectors. 

The legacy of the Wickes Brothers is a testament to their contributions to industrial innovation and economic development in Michigan and the broader Great Lakes region.