Recently, Ryan Reigle, President & CEO of Regal Ware, sat down with CBA’s managing director, Fran Attilio, to reflect on the company’s impressive 80-year journey. As Regal Ware celebrates this milestone anniversary, its legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and community shines through. Founded by J.O. Reigle in 1945, Regal Ware’s journey is a story of resilience and opportunity, rooted deeply in the values of its founder.
From Aluminum to Opportunity
Regal Ware’s origins date back to 1919 as the Kewaskum Aluminum Company, manufacturing aluminum saucepans. During World War II, the company pivoted to produce 95-millimeter shell casings for the U.S. government. In 1945, J.O. Reigle purchased the company, driven by a passion for creating opportunities—a principle inspired by his own experience selling Bibles door-to-door to fund his college education.
Just two weeks after Reigle bought the company, the first atomic bomb was dropped, prompting the U.S. government to cancel all munitions contracts. Faced with a massive challenge, Reigel returned to what he knew best: direct sales. He retooled the factory to produce saucepans, loaded them into his car trunk, and sold them door-to-door across Wisconsin, keeping the business alive through sheer grit and determination.
Innovation and Expansion
As post-war America surged into suburban growth, Regal Ware evolved alongside it. The company expanded its product line, pioneering the use of non-stick coatings and electric cookware in the 60s and 70s. Through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, Regal Ware extended its market reach to Colombia, the UK, France, and beyond.
Despite global manufacturing shifts in the 90s and 2000s, Regal Ware made the strategic decision to remain U.S.-based. This move protected American jobs and set the stage for modern innovation under the leadership of Jeff Reigle. The company restructured with a holding company strategy, launching Synergy Ops to focus on contract manufacturing and Saladmaster, a direct-sales brand with a global presence.
A Commitment to People and Community
Regal Ware’s values are deeply connected to its roots in Kewaskum, Wisconsin—a small town with just three traffic lights. Authenticity and integrity have always been core to its operations. The company prides itself on its long-tenured employees, many of whom have been with Regal Ware for over a decade.
This sense of community extends beyond its workforce. Saladmaster, founded in 1946, continues to innovate with a focus on healthier cooking methods, demonstrating Regal Ware’s commitment to both craftsmanship and well-being. With a global footprint spanning Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and Australia, Saladmaster is a testament to the brand’s lasting impact.
Looking to the Future
As Regal Ware celebrates 80 years, the focus remains on growth and innovation. Synergy Ops aims to triple its capacity within the next 36 months, reinforcing its status as a leader in U.S.-made contract manufacturing. Saladmaster’s expansion across the Asia-Pacific region is poised to bring healthier cooking to more homes worldwide.
Regal Ware’s journey from its beginnings as Kewaskum Aluminum Company to a global leader in cookware manufacturing is a testament to resilience, opportunity, and staying true to its values. Here’s to 80 years of craftsmanship—and many more to come. To listen to the full interview on What’s Cooking with the CBA, click the link below.