
Janesville: GM
Clip: Special | 58m 1sVideo has Closed Captions
GM came to Janesville to build tractors, and switched to making cars.
Janesville’s fortunes changed in 1918-'19 when General Motors (GM) purchased the Janesville Machine Company, a farm implement maker. GM then moved the Samson Tractor factory to the city, and Janesville began making tractors. Eventually GM switched to building Chevrolet automobiles until 2008, when the plant closed.
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Wisconsin Hometown Stories is a local public television program presented by PBS Wisconsin

Janesville: GM
Clip: Special | 58m 1sVideo has Closed Captions
Janesville’s fortunes changed in 1918-'19 when General Motors (GM) purchased the Janesville Machine Company, a farm implement maker. GM then moved the Samson Tractor factory to the city, and Janesville began making tractors. Eventually GM switched to building Chevrolet automobiles until 2008, when the plant closed.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Wisconsin Hometown Stories is a local public television program presented by PBS Wisconsin