Whirlpool's acquisition of Maytag in early 2006 led to speculation over the future of Maytag operations in Newton. Layoffs at the Newton plant continued through 2005. ![]() Known for its dependable line of washing machines and clothes dryers, the company later persuaded the town of Newton to change the name of its headquarters address in the city to "One Dependability Square." In 2001, a decision to cut labor costs resulted in a reduction of the labor force at the Newton plant in favor of newer Maytag facilities in Mexico. With the backing of four troops (companies) of the 113th Cavalry Regiment, Maytag company beat the strike and forced workers to return to work with a 10% pay cut.Īt the conclusion of World War II, the Maytag Washing Machine Company expanded its operations in Newton, becoming the Maytag Corporation. Iowa governor Nelson Kraschel ordered the Iowa National Guard to protect the company with tanks and machine guns ready against the workers. Newton entered the national stage in 1938 when martial law was declared during a strike at the Maytag Washing Machine Company. Its most distinctive landmark, the Jasper County Courthouse, was built in 1911. In the 20th century, Newton was a manufacturing community, much of its growth derived from the washing machine industry. In the early 20th century, large scale mining in the Newton area had declined, but there were still several mines in the area that were worked intermittently. William Snooks opened a mine near Newton in 1886. For a while, it was the largest mine in the county, producing 70 tons per day. The first significant mine in the area was the Couch mine of the Jasper County Coal and Railway Company, opened in the 1870s. ![]() In the late 19th century, Newton's growth was fueled by the development of coal mines in the region. It was named to pair with Jasper County, following a common American naming scheme at the time in honor of Revolutionary War soldiers John Newton and William Jasper. Newton was founded in 1846 as Newton City, then shortened to Newton in 1847 and incorporated as a city in 1857.
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