Dave Long started at the West Bend Company in 1971 on the 3rd floor where he was hand buffing Ice Cube Igloos, Coffee Percolators and Electric Skillets. Duty called, and in 1972 Dave joined the US-Army Reserves. He served full-time for a year and continued as a Drill Sergeant for 7 more years finishing as an E6 Staff Sergeant. In 1973, Dave returned to West Bend Company and polished his driving skills in the water humidifier division moving material on lift trucks until 1978. From 1978-1994, Dave’s flexibility allowed him to work many different jobs. He ran draw presses, belt sanders, buffing machines and sanding machines, with most of his time in buffing and polishing. In 1994, Dave became the operator on the Impact Press for making the Kitchen Craft “Aluminum Slab” bottom cookware. This process would take a pre-heated dish with a slab of aluminum and stainless steel blank, and have the 1000 ton impact press slam them together to form a cohesive bond. In the late 90s and early 2000’s, Dave was a key player in helping develop the “capped” bottom Kitchen Craft pan. This new design encapsulated the aluminum, so it was not exposed to the elements. After Regalware purchased the West Bend Company in 2002, Dave continued running this press until his departure.
Dave was one of the first employee’s at Americraft Cookware. His experience in making cookware, flexibility and desire to help make the company a success made him a cornerstone in developing manufacturing from 2005 to 2018. Dave knew every operation, and how to setup and run all the machinery. What he didn’t know, such as the inside sander, he learned. Dave’s experience and willingness to contribute helped the improvement at Americraft. He was part of the safety team and was the lead trainer for the fork lift. Dave even helped out with creation of a new buff wheel that reduced scrap by incorporating aluminum oxide into the wheel which takes defects out of the steel. Dave married his soulmate Karen in 1977. Together they have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. We are going to miss the big guy and his jokes!!! He will be spending his retirement on the golf course or fishing in his favorite lakes. If you see him, he will have a cold beer with you and share a joke to pass along.
|
