World War II challenged the nation in many ways, not in the least of which was providing goods for the war effort. Throughout the early forties, all of Miller Electric's output went for government defense and large lend-lease contracts. For the duration of the war, the Miller plant operated virtually around the clock. Each shift worked a 60-hour week as Miller welders became important equipment in shipyards and defense plants. For the first time, women in the plant became commonplace as "Wilma the Welder" (Miller's version of "Rosie the Riveter") kept the troops supplied and businesses running.