As one of the oldest cookware manufacturers in America, their roots go back to 1874, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, with the founding of a company by Jacob Vollrath, specializing in the manufacturing of railroad frogs, cast iron ranges, steam engines, farming tools and enameled cast iron cooking utensils. The company continued its growth by focusing on cooking utensils and expanded its manufacturing facilities to accommodate creating of stainless steel cooking products as well.
During World War II, Vollrath dedicated its business to the war effort by producing pans, pots, spoons, ladles and 12 million canteens for soldiers: “On June 28, 1945, Vollrath was awarded the Army-Navy “E” Flag for their record in the production of materials needed in the war effort. Walter J. Kohler, Jr. became The Vollrath Company’s fifth president in 1947. When the polio epidemic struck, Vollrath developed the Polio-Pak Heater which produced 15 double-thick steam heated woolen packs to administer to patients. Many emergency orders were received during the night and often shipped by air express, or driven personally by a company employee 100 to 200 miles from Sheboygan.”
