The lathes were for working steel. They could straighten bent drill steel, put new ends on the rods and send them back for reuse. The Gilman shop reused as much equipment and supplies as was possible.
Drills and lathes in the repair area. Welders and machinists were employed by New Jersey Zinc to maintain and recycle equipment. During the 1950s, there were three shifts working each day to maintain production levels.