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The Vilter Manufacturing Co. Clinton Street, near Beacher, Bay View
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The Vilter Manufacturing Company has achieved an international reputation for the superiority of its steam engines, refrigerating and ice-making machinery. The immense business developed by them was established in 1867 by Mr. P. Weisel. In 1879 the firm of Weisel & Vilter was formed, and in 1886 the Weisel & Vilter Manufacturing Co., was organized, thus continuing until March, 1893, when Messrs. Theodore O. and William O. Vilter reorganized the concern under the title of The Vilter Manufacturing Co., and early in 1893 they removed to their present desirable location on Clinton street, near Beacher, Bay View, where they have erected an entirely new and modern plant of large size. The machine shop is a two story building, 80x305 feet in dimensions, store house and pattern shop three stories in height, 60x60 feet, pipe shop, 60x120 feet, blacksmith shop, 60x60 feet, engine and boiler room, 45x60 feet, containing two large boilers and a 125 horse-power Corliss engine, and Cross and Tandem Compound Engines of all sizes. Their engines are noted for the superior quality of materials used; for the strength and rigidity of their frame; precision of working; close regulation under varying loads, and great economy in the use of steam. Their engines are used all over the world. Here in Milwaukee are hundreds in use to day, including four in the great Pabst Brewery; five in the Blatz Brewery; another in the Schlitz Brewery; and a lengthy list in all sorts of manufacturing establishments here and throughout the United States and Mexico and in other foreign countries. Of recent years they are building Compound, Cross-Compound and Tandem Engines, to meet all the varying requirements of users where fuel is expensive or not, or water plenty or not. They are leaders in the building of engines specially designed for the purposes of electric light and power plants, requiring great speed and the utmost regularity of motion. They lead all the world also in the building of Refrigerating and Ice-Making machinery for brewers, packers, cold storage houses, ice plants, etc., and their ice machines are found in all the principal breweries of the United States, some of as great capacity as 400 tons. Bottlers outfits are also a specialty. Mr. Theodore O. Vilter personally superintends all departments of the work, and from the estimates and draughting of the plans up to erecting of the engine or ice machine, his watchful eye and sound judgment control all operations, and with splendid results. Mr. Wm. O. Vetter, is secretary and treasurer and has entire charge of the office duties, purchase of supplies, etc., and is a most popular businessman.
Information Sources
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American Steam Engine Builders: 1800-1900 by Kenneth L. Cope, 2006 pages 248 & 258
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Milwaukee, a half century's progress, 1846-1896 Consolidated Illustrating Co. 1896 page 120
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History of Milwaukee, city and countyS. J. Clarke Publishing Co. V3 1922 pages 99 & 131