Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World-Chapter 80: Visiting New York Air Brake Company
Caroline carefully adjusted her dress before setting off on her mission. Accompanying her was Mr. Morgan, engrossed in the pages of his newspaper. Caroline couldn't help but feel frustrated, still reeling from the news of the New York Air Brake Company's emergence. The two were headed to Watertown, where the company's headquarters were located.
"I can't believe there's another Air Brake Company in New York," Caroline mused, her voice betraying a sense of irritation. "Wanderbilt is pulling out of the agreement, and their three major clients have abandoned us too."
"Yes, Mr. Nielsen informed me of that. I've already spoken with Mr. Vanderbilt about it. He mentioned that their decision is not final, but if Axelsen & Nielsen Air Brake doesn't offer them a better price than the New York Air Brake Company, it soon will be," Mr. Morgan replied.
"Why is he suddenly asking for a lower price? They signed a contract, didn't they?" Caroline inquired.
"To save money, obviously. But don't worry, this is just a temporary setback. We'll know everything there is to know about the new Air Brake Company once we arrive," Mr. Morgan reassured her.
Thirty minutes later, they arrived at Watertown, New York. Upon stepping off the carriage, they saw a huge factory looming in the distance, towering over the surrounding buildings. Its sprawling complex of warehouses and manufacturing facilities dominated the landscape, with smoke billowing from its chimneys and the constant hum of machines filling the air. Caroline couldn't help but feel intimidated as they approached the factory gates.
As they walked towards the entrance, a stern-looking security guard approached them, blocking their way. "State your business," he demanded, his voice gruff and authoritative.
"We're here to see the management of the New York Air Brake Company," Caroline replied confidently, holding out a letter of introduction from the founder of the New York Air Brake Company himself.
The guard scrutinized the letter for a few moments before nodding and stepping aside. "Very well. You may proceed, but stay within the designated visitor area."
Caroline and Mr. Morgan followed the guard's instructions and made their way to the visitor center, where they were greeted by a receptionist who led them to a conference room to wait for their appointment with the company's founders.
As they waited, Caroline couldn't help but wonder what kind of information they would be able to gather from this visit. Would they be able to find out how the New York Air Brake Company had managed to develop a similar product to theirs so quickly?
After what seemed like an eternity, they were finally greeted by the founder of the New York Air Brake Company. The man who greeted them was in his fifties, dressed in a three-piece black suit that struggled to contain his large frame. His face was round and florid, with deep-set eyes that seemed to peer at them over puffy cheeks. He was balding on top but had a thick, bushy mustache that covered most of his upper lip. Despite his rotund appearance, he moved with surprising grace and confidence, as if he owned the very ground beneath their feet.
"Good day, Ms. Dupont and Mr. Morgan," he said, extending a hand to each of them in turn. "I am Augustus Simmons, the founder, and CEO of the New York Air Brake Company. I trust your journey was pleasant?"
Caroline and Mr. Morgan shook his hand and exchanged pleasantries, still taken aback by the imposing figure before them. They took their seats as Simmons settled himself into a high-backed leather chair at the head of the conference table.
"Now, how may I assist you?" he asked, his voice smooth and measured.
Caroline delicately cleared her throat and leveled her gaze upon Mr. Simmons. "If I may, Mr. Simmons, we would be most obliged to hear the account of your company's origin and establishment."
"I founded the New York Air Brake Company a year ago," replied Simmons, adjusting his tie. "But we weren't operational for another six months. I started this business because of the opportunities I saw after witnessing numerous steam locomotive accidents."
Caroline lifted her head from her notepad and furrowed her brow slightly. "Pardon me, Mr. Simmons, but there is already a company producing a similar product. Have you heard of the Axelsen & Nielsen Air Brake Company?"
Simmons nodded slowly. "Of course, I have heard about that company. They were the first to offer steam locomotives an air brake system."
Caroline leaned in, her gaze trained on Simmons. "Pray tell, Mr. Simmons, in what manner does your company distinguish itself from the competition? As it appears to me, you employ a strikingly similar methodology in utilizing compressed air to effectuate braking power on the brake pads."
Simmons leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing. "Well, it is true that both our braking systems use compressed air, but I wouldn't say we are similar. Our air brake system has different designs, especially in the piping diagram. If you are thinking that I copied it from the Axelsen & Nielsen Air Brake Company, then you would be wrong, which I assume is the reason why you came here in the first place. I mean, you two are the biggest investors of the Axelsen & Nielsen Air Brake Company, right?"
"We are indeed," Morgan interjected, his voice taut. "This is why we are upset that you are stealing our clients and offering them cheaper prices. How much was it again?"
Simmons leaned forward, his voice rising. "It's thirty-five dollars, Mr. Morgan. And I didn't steal your clients, they are the ones who approached me. It seems to me that they are not getting a better deal from the Axelsen & Nielsen Air Brake Company. Otherwise, why would they switch?"
Caroline and Morgan exchanged a skeptical glance, unconvinced by Simmons' explanation.
Caroline's tone was firm yet refined as she spoke, "We are not here to engage in any argument or dispute, Mr. Simmons. However, we are here to acquire a thorough understanding of your air brake system, particularly how it differs from that of Axelsen & Nielsen. As you may already be aware, we have made a significant investment in that company, and it is only right that we ensure our investment is adequately protected."
Simmons nodded, his expression more composed. "I understand your concerns, and I am willing to share with you the technical details of our air brake system. However, I must insist that the information remains confidential and is used solely for your own knowledge."
Caroline and Morgan exchanged another look, then nodded in agreement. "That's fair," Caroline said. "We appreciate your cooperation, Mr. Simmons."
Simmons stood up, extending his hand. "It was a pleasure meeting with you. I hope that our discussion has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about our company."
Caroline and Morgan stood up as well, returning the handshake. "Thank you, Mr. Simmons," Caroline said with a small smile. "We will be in touch."
***
Caroline and Morgan departed from Watertown, returning to their carriage in silence. The weight of their discovery sat heavily on their minds, and the reality of the situation was beginning to sink in.
Caroline broke the silence, her tone serious. "It seems that the New York Air Brake Company is claiming that their design is different from Axelsen & Nielsen's, but the principle is the same. I'm confident that they copied Mr. Nielsen and Axelsen's air brake system, and as investors, we have a right to protect our investment by taking legal action against them."
Morgan shook his head. "Proving it in court will be a challenge. I have dealt with many patent infringement cases, and sometimes, even if the principle is the same but the schematic diagram is different, the judge will deem it original."
Caroline's brow furrowed as she voiced her confusion. "I beg your pardon, Mr. Morgan, but that doesn't make any sense. If companies can make small alterations to a patented invention and then sell it as their own original product, what is the point of having a patent in the first place?"
Morgan nodded in agreement. "You are right, Ms. Dupont. That is why they will need a skilled lawyer to represent them should they decide to file a lawsuit."
"Do you have someone in mind?" Caroline asked, hoping for a lead.
"I do, but only after Mr. Axelsen and Nielsen determine that the New York Air Brake Company's air brake has indeed infringed on their invention," Morgan replied.
Caroline sighed, feeling the weight of the situation.
