New Downtown Business Manufactures Clever Mail Box Support

IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, June 04, 2009 - At last night's Ironwood Planning Commission meeting this reporter asked if anybody knew what was going on in the former Ben's Marine building. Planning Commissioner Eric Lytwyniuk told the Commission that Chuck Hagstrom has started a company that manufactures "swing away" mailboxes.

This afternoon, this reporter stopped by to check it out. Anyone who is familiar with the building can instantly see a huge improvement in the exterior appearance. Chuck Hagstrom and his crew did a great job dressing up the building. When I entered the building I was greeted by an employee of the company. He graciously took me for a tour of the operation, and he also demonstrated how the "Swing Clear" mail box supports work.

I asked where the idea came from to manufacture mail box holders. It turns out that Chuck's uncle invented the gadget, and after he died, Chuck purchased the rights to invention from his aunt. The way the thing works is that a base-pipe is driven into the ground using a wood block or a 2x4. A bent pipe is then attached with a set screw device so that the bend faces the direction you want the mail box to hang. Then then swivel fitting and boom are added, with the mail box being attached to the end of the boom.

If a plow or a truck or anything hits the mail box, it simply swings out of the way instead of sheering off like most mail boxes would. Also, because of the swivel, homeowners can plow right up to the base-pipe, eliminating the need to shovel around the box. It's a very ingenious idea, and I'm certain they will sell with the proper promotion.

Currently the company has only one full-time employee and a few part-timers, but they anticipate hiring more people as soon as the units start to sell. Hagstrom plants on personally pitching the product to hardware stores, home improvement centers, etc. There are also plans to market the device online. The company already has a website. The address is www.swingclear.com.

The name of the company is Iron-N-Wood. Currently they are stockpiling units getting ready for future sales. The mailing address is P.O. Box 56, Ironwood, Michigan  49938. The manufacturing plant and office are located across from the Jacobs, McDonald, Silc Law Offices on East Aurora Street. Units can be purchased there; online; or through the mail. Hagstom hopes to develop a retail network that will also sell the units.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This gadget would be a run-away best seller if it was sold on television infomercials. I can see Billy Mays pitching this product on late night TV! Can you imagine him shouting, "Hi! I'm Billy Mays for Swing Clear -- the amazing mailbox support that will last the rest of your life!  This maintenance free  support installs in minutes providing  a lifetime of convenience! The Swing Clear is the number one choice for letter carriers! It swings clear when contacted; accepts all mailbox types; and outlasts other mailbox supports! Be the first on your block to reduce hazard and liability along the roadway! Order your US Postal Service Approved Swing Clear today!"