Swiney, like many in this town of 1,200 people, counted on the plant to provide jobs. “This was something to see when it was in action,” said plant manager Jack Lambert, pointing to a long machine sitting dormant on the plant floor, toothpicks littering the floor around it. Forster also produced wooden clothespins, among other things. With 48 boxes in a case and 250 toothpicks per box, that’s 15.6 million toothpicks. In its heyday, the plant churned out 1,300 cases of toothpicks a day. The closing means big changes for Strong, a community so closely identified with toothpick production that the words “Toothpick Capital of the World” are emblazoned on the sides of its fire trucks. The factory that made Strong the toothpick capital of the world is shutting its doors in the latest blow to the state’s wood products industry. production line with a lump in her throat and fear in her heart. STRONG (AP) – Chiquita Swiney watched the last home-grown Maine toothpick, a square one with pointed ends, roll off the Forster Inc.
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