A variance that will permit J. Wiss & Sons Co., Newark cutlery manufacturers, to produce steel products in the Kroydon Co. plant in Maplewood was approved last night by the Maplewood Township Committee.

The variance was approved after assurances from a Wiss Co. representative that the firm has "no intention of using drop hammers" in the plant, located at 228 Burnett Ave.

Some Maplewood residents had expressed fear that the Wiss Co. would install drop hammers and fill the area with "ear-splitting whacks."

The company representative, Harold Kain, told the committee that the Wiss firm planned to continue forging operations in its Newark plant.

The Wiss Co. had an option to purchase the Kroydon plant pending final approval of its application.

The Kroyden Co., which manufactures golf clubs, is planning to move its operations to Massachusetts.