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Dexter-Russell 27 Upon completion, the Turners Falls factory was state-of-the-art for the times. Significantly larger in physical size and outfitted with the latest safety features, the new factory was destined to keep the Russell Company at the forefront of the cutlery industry, or so the owners thought. e buildings and shops formed a parallelogram, running 2,000 feet in length. e floor plan maximized efficiency; a ventilation system drew out harmful metal dust and circulated fresh air for workers. To contain potential fires, the building had firewalls. Water power would no longer be a concern as three water wheels drove trip hammers that produced plenty of power. A series of belts and pulleys distributed energy throughout the factory, while gas and coal provided heat in the winter. e completed facility covered 200,000 square feet. e Turners Falls plant was the largest single cutlery factory in the world in 1870 and could accommodate 1200 men. In fact, the company served as a major employer and business presence in Turners Falls at this time. By the end of the first year at Turners Falls, the company employed approximately 600 men. And since housing for these workers was at a premium, the company built, managed and maintained a new tenement house for its employees and their families. Despite good intentions, the housing situation created some issues with the townspeople. In 1872, the Turners Falls Reporter published an article that highlighted one of the major problems related to the apartments: pigs. "It is always easy to tell when one is near the Cutlery block… e sweet smells of spring originating from the Cutlery block can be distinguished all over town this spring." Soon thereafter, the company prohibited tenants from keeping pigs on the premises. However, other problems surfaced. Poor drainage allowed water to pool after heavy rains, creating a health hazard, and lack of privacy led to typical issues that arise when families live in close quarters. In spite of the drawbacks, these tenements contained some attractive features, including a kitchen, bath, parlor and two bedrooms. Rent for a ground-floor apartment was $2 per week, while a second-floor space cost $1.50 per week. Additionally, the apartments' proximity to the factory eliminated the need for transportation. With the new larger facility and its updated machinery and processes, the workers produced, on average, 2,500 to 3,000 dozen pieces of tableware, 130 dozen ivory- handled pieces and 250 dozen miscellaneous items on a daily basis. But success would again be short-lived. Although production levels continued to increase, the company again ran into financial trouble. e cost of the new building exceeded budgetary expectations and it also proved to be overly ambitious in size. By 1873, the company was bankrupt due to over-evaluation, stock watering and inflation. However, the company again reorganized and changed its name to the John Russell Cutlery Company with a starting capital of $450,000.