COMPANY·HISTORIES
SIC 3914

Silverware, Plated Ware and Stainless Steel Ware

How the companies in this industry began, and the forces that shaped them.

6companies1911–1986founding years6still active0no longer operating
§ 01

The industry over time

Companies foundedEconomyTechnologyEnvironmentHistory
FoundedWest Bend Co.FoundedWest Bend Co.
1911
1914
EconomyWorld War I begins; global trade reorders.
1929
EconomyThe stock market crashes; the Great Depression spreads worldwide.
1939
EconomyWorld War II begins; wartime production surges.
FoundedLifetime Hoan CorporationFoundedLifetime Hoan Corporation
1945
EconomyThe war ends; a long global expansion begins.
1947
TechnologyThe transistor is invented.
1958
TechnologyThe integrated circuit is demonstrated.
1962
EnvironmentSilent Spring launches the modern environmental movement.
1971
EconomyThe dollar leaves the gold standard; currencies float.
1973
EconomyThe OPEC oil embargo triggers a global shock.
1975
TechnologyThe personal-computer era begins.
1979
EconomyA second oil crisis drives inflation higher worldwide.
1981
TechnologyThe IBM PC launches and sets a standard.
1984
TechnologyApple ships the Macintosh; the GUI era begins.
FoundedSyratech Corp.FoundedSyratech Corp.
1986
1987
EconomyBlack Monday: markets fall sharply around the world.
1989
HistoryThe Berlin Wall falls; global markets open up.
1991
TechnologyThe World Wide Web is released to the public.
1993
TechnologyThe Mosaic browser brings the web to everyone.
1995
TechnologyWindows 95 launches; the internet goes mainstream.
1997
EconomyThe Asian financial crisis rattles global markets.
EnvironmentThe Kyoto Protocol sets the first climate targets.
2000
EconomyThe dot-com bubble bursts.
2004
TechnologySocial media and Web 2.0 take hold.
2007
TechnologyThe iPhone launches the smartphone era.
2008
EconomyThe global financial crisis freezes credit worldwide.
2010
TechnologyCloud computing goes mainstream for business.
2015
EnvironmentThe Paris Agreement sets global climate targets.
2020
EconomyThe COVID-19 pandemic upends the global economy.
2022
EconomyInflation spikes; central banks raise rates sharply.
2023
TechnologyGenerative AI reaches mainstream business use.
§ 02

The companies

West Bend Co. →
Active · founded 1911
West Bend Co.
West Bend Co. →
Active · founded 1911
West Bend Co.
Lifetime Hoan Corporation →
Active · founded 1945
Lifetime Hoan Corporation designs, markets, and distributes household cutlery, kitchenware, cutting boards, and…
Lifetime Hoan Corporation →
Active · founded 1945
Lifetime Hoan Corporation designs, markets, and distributes household cutlery, kitchenware, cutting boards, and…
Syratech Corp. →
Active · founded 1986
Founded in 1986, Syratech Corp.
Syratech Corp. →
Active · founded 1986
Founded in 1986, Syratech Corp.
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