Description
The aluminum and cookware industries in Washington County were main employers all over the 20th century. Manufacturing competitors West Bend Aluminum Company and Kewaskum Aluminum Company (later Regal Ware, Inc.) started production early in the 20th century only eight miles apart. These company histories, whilst interesting in themselves, would be remiss without discussion of broader influences. Both companies had a substantial effect on American consumerism, women’s social roles, and industrial design. Lately the West Bend Company and Regal Ware, Inc., are two of the most efficient-known makers of cookware and small appliances world wide. Their ability to continue to exist economic depression, war, and changing times are three reasons for their success and cause them to excellent examples of the American dream come to life. With deep roots in Washington County, they were in a position to spread wide nets and capture loyalty around the world.