Edison introduced some significant technological developments to the iron ore milling industry but the company ultimately proved to be unprofitable.

The remaining deposits of iron in the eastern side of the United States were of poor quality, and the difficulty in separating it from the rock and other debris made it unprofitable.

[5] After a short time away from the industry, Edison decided to return, adapting his methods to crush rocks brought up directly from a mine.

"[1][3] That year, he closed the Ogdensburg plant for upgrades, using the sale of stocks in General Electric to install new equipment that would be able to output even more iron ore.

He made changes to the ore-crushing machinery, installing huge rollers capable of turning out much larger quantities of ore. [6] When it reopened, the earlier problems persisted and Edison once again had difficulties finding customers.