W. P. Plant made a portable sawmill called the Pack Sack Mill. It was intended to be carried into the bush and assembled in situ.

From 1916-1918 Canadian Trade Index

Information Sources

• 1896 book, The Canadian Album, by W. Cochrane, in a section on the history of Hastings, Ontario. "In the fall of 1895, Mr. W. P. Plant erected a commodious foundry. The main building is 50x100 feet, and is supplemented by one-story blacksmith and moulding rooms, 30x50 feet."
• 1897 Sessional Papers of the First and Second Sessions of the Ninth Legislature of the Province of Ontario, in a listing of industrial accidents. On 1896-12-01, an employee of W. P. Plant, one John T. Schenck: "All the fingers of right hand taken off in jointing planer."
• 1920-21 Canadian Trade Index: "If it's Tanner's Machinery Write to the established Canadian Manufacturer. W. P. Plant, Hastings, Ont."
• 1930-01-29 Ottawa Journal, via newspapers.com. "UNCLE OF MAYOR DIES AT HASTINGS—W. P. Plant, uncle of Mayor Plant and only surviving brother of the mayor's father, F. J. Plan, of the Department of Labor, died at his home in Hastings, Ont., this morning, according to word received here shortly before noon. Ha waa 70 years of age and had been a prominent manufacturer in Hastings for many years, owning the W. P. Plant Foundry Company. Owing to the pressure of duties here the mayor will be unable to go to Hastings for the funeral, but his father is leaving for Hastings today. Henry E. Plant, eldest brother of F. J. Plant, died at his home in Montreal last year."
• A 1940 issue of The Canada Lumberman. "FOR SALE— 20M white pine 2x6, 2x8, 2x10 and some oak. W. P. Plant, Hastings, Ontario."