Peck, Stow & Wilcox Factory

Peck, Stow & Wilcox was a large industrial complex with a forge featuring a sawtooth roof, an annealing building, and several brick structures spread across multiple acres. The layout reflected typical 19th-century manufacturing practice, with buildings arranged functionally for different production steps.

The factory was founded in 1870 through the merger of three tin-processing equipment manufacturers and quickly became the region's largest employer. This consolidation of companies created a dominant production site that shaped Southington's economy for decades.

The factory leaders shaped Southington by supporting community projects and participating actively in local civic life. The workplace became central to the town's identity and growth during its industrial years.

The factory sits on Center Street in Southington and remains partially visible from the road, though many buildings show their age. Visitors should expect limited access to some structures, and the site is best explored from the outside.

The factory developed specialized equipment for tinsmithing and introduced the Samson ball-bearing chuck for bit-braces in 1897. This invention showed the company's technical skill and helped build its reputation as a manufacturing innovator.