But these programs will not help Smith Corona's workers if the economy does not start growing more quickly.

Officials at Smith Corona would not say how many offers it had received, or who submitted the proposals.

Hanson still holds a 48 percent interest in Smith Corona.

Smith Corona said none of its 17 subsidiaries and foreign affiliates were included in the filing.

Smith Corona is just one more chapter of that transition.

In contrast, Smith Corona's portion of that business is being run off the road.

The tag line: Smith Corona, the way you want to work.

For nearly a century, Smith Corona was the cornerstone of their lives.

There is also a new sense of confidence, as more companies sign on to make products for Smith Corona.

For now, as the light trading shows, few investors are rushing to buy Smith Corona's stock.