Over 100 Years of Manufacturing Excellence
SynergyOps: Built on Over a Century of Craftsmanship
SynergyOps, the manufacturing division of Regal Ware, builds on a legacy that began in 1911 with The West Bend Company. When Regal Ware acquired The West Bend Company and its assets in 2002, it combined more than 100 years of manufacturing expertise with fresh innovation, a global reach, and a commitment to enriching life.
Since then, Regal Ware has grown to be a premier provider of housewares to brands and consumers around the world. In 2021, SynergyOps was launched as Regal Ware’s manufacturing arm, dedicated to supporting the company’s numerous businesses. Today, SynergyOps is a premier U.S.-based contract manufacturer, private labeler, and OEM supplier of cookware for leading brands and retailers in the U.S. and beyond.
A Legacy Forged in 1911
After a devastating fire in West Bend, Wisconsin left many unemployed, entrepreneur Bernhardt C. Ziegler took action. He rallied six local investors—each contributing $1,000, and on September 27, 1911, founded the West Bend Aluminum Company. Operating out of a rented button factory for $8.50 a month, the team quickly began producing saucepans, frying pans, pie pans, and water dippers. By 1913, their cookware was already making waves at industry trade shows, marking the beginning of over a century of American-made excellence.
1910s-1920s: Early Selling Years
In its early years, West Bend relied heavily on Sears, Roebuck and Co., which purchased up to half of the company’s production between 1914 and 1919. The rest was distributed under various private labels.
In 1921, a salesman’s idea sparked the creation of the Waterless Cooker—a heavyweight aluminum pot with a steam-sealing lid that allowed cooking without added water. Marketed as an all-in-one, fuel-saving solution and sold door-to-door, it quickly became a hit. By 1941, over six million units had been sold, establishing West Bend as a leader in waterless cookware.
1930s - 1940s: Innovation in Challenging Times
During the Great Depression, West Bend found success with affordable copper products—originally sparked by a custom stein for a Milwaukee brewery. The popularity of copper gifts like ashtrays, trays, and lamps soared, as copper cost just a quarter of aluminum at the time.
In 1932, the company launched the Flavo-Seal line of heavy-gauge cookware for waterless cooking. Initially sold door-to-door, it expanded to retail by 1934.
By the 1940s, West Bend’s reach stretched coast to coast, with products shipped by train making headlines in California. In 1941, the company secured a major U.S. Navy contract to produce 20mm anti-aircraft cartridge cases. With men at war, women filled the factory floors—producing over six million cases monthly and earning six Navy “E” Awards for production excellence.
1945- The Rise of Regal Ware
J.O. Reigle, along with L.N. Peterson and Edna Oster, purchased the Kewaskum Aluminum Company. The company was under contract to manufacture shell casings for the war; however, two weeks after their purchase, WWII ended. The group quickly worked to retool and started using the factory to produce 1- and 1-1/2-quart stainless steel saucepans. Then, in 1951, they officially changed the company’s name to Regal Ware Inc.
1950s - At West Bend
West Bend helped shape modern home cooking in the 1950s with a series of groundbreaking products. In 1950, the first automatic percolator revolutionized morning routines across the country, making great coffee easier than ever.
The era also saw the launch of Color-Glo, West Bend’s anodized aluminum line featuring vibrant salad bowls, tumblers, and pitchers in shades like forest green, cherry red, and sunset gold. These colorful, durable products became must-haves for stylish entertaining.
The company continued innovating in cookware with its Kitchen Craft Waterless Cookware and early slow cooker models—bringing one-pot cooking to a new level of convenience. Meanwhile, the Penguin Hot & Cold Server and the Electric Bean Pot catered to the booming trend of backyard dining and casual entertaining, blending function with flair.
1950s - West Bend Takes to the Sea
In the 1950s, West Bend diversified beyond cookware and began selling motors under its own name, gaining a strong reputation for high-quality products. The outboard motor division of the company was later sold to Chrysler Corporation in 1965.
1960s - At West Bend
The 1960s marked a period of rapid growth for West Bend, both in product innovation and manufacturing capability. The company introduced Gem Coat and Teflon-coated cookware, along with popular buffet appliances like the Kabob 'n Grill and Automatic Buffet Chef.
In 1965, West Bend launched a humidifier line featuring a unique water wheel design, which quickly became a top-selling category. That same year, the acquisition of NFC Engineering led to the creation of Thermo-Serv insulated plasticware—a staple in American diners and homes.
By 1967, West Bend had four specialized engineering departments, including a dedicated tool and die team of 30 employees, underscoring its in-house manufacturing strength. In 1968, the iconic Trig Singing Tea Kettle surpassed 15 million units sold, with production reaching 50,000 units per month—proving that smart design and scale could go hand in hand.
1960s - At Regal Ware
The 1960s saw Regal Ware expand both its product offerings and footprint. In 1964, it acquired Buckeye Aluminum Co., rebranding its stackable picnic pack cookware. The company introduced standout products like the PolyPerk® coffeemaker, electric griddles, and popcorn makers in 1965.
By 1969, a third major acquisition—National Aluminum Manufacturing Co.—cemented Regal Ware’s growth in both innovation and manufacturing capacity.
1970s - At West Bend
In the 1970s, West Bend solidified its place in American kitchens with the launch of its now-iconic electric slow cooker—a game-changer for busy families. The company also introduced a variety of specialty electrics, including pizza bakers, yogurt makers, deep fryers, and drip coffee makers (endorsed by the Pat Boone family), many of which were sold through major retailers like JCPenney, Sears, and Montgomery Ward.
West Bend partnered with Orville Redenbacher to promote its popular Corn Popper, securing its leadership in popcorn appliances. Durable, stylish flour and sugar canisters also became staples on countertops nationwide.
1970s - At Regal Ware
The 1970s were a decade of bold ideas and strategic growth. Regal Ware expanded its Mardi Gras line with colorful fondue pots, tapping into the rise of social entertaining. In 1975, Betty Crocker partnered with Regal Ware to release a co-branded collection of cast aluminum cookware.
The company became a leader in drip coffeemakers by 1976, and in 1978 introduced the Temp Tone® knob—a standout feature in direct sales cookware. That same year, Regal expanded its Kewaskum facility.
In 1979, Regal Ware marked a major milestone with the acquisition of Saladmaster, reinforcing its reputation for innovation and excellence in the cookware industry.
1976 - Regal's Support for Scouts
Regal Ware’s continuous support of the Boy Scouts of America results in the production of over 5 million canteens, along with other essential Scout items.
1980s - At West Bend
In the 1980s, West Bend shifted its focus from traditional cookware and humidifiers to home electronics and lifestyle products. They introduced innovations like the Kitchen Controller timer, cordless irons (a top-seller by 1984), and fitness equipment through acquisitions including Total Gym and Precor.
By the end of the decade, West Bend was a category leader—#1 in woks, corn poppers, party percolators, and coffee urns, and #2 in slow cookers. The company also expanded into water-treatment systems, launching West Bend Water Systems and acquiring Environmental Products Corp. to offer premium stainless-steel water distillers under the Lifetime and Dol-Fyn brands.
1980s - At Regal Ware
The 1980s marked a decade of bold moves and product diversification. In 1982, Regal Ware partnered with Moulinex SA, bringing LaMachine and motor-driven appliances into its electric product lineup. In 1984, it acquired Standex Industries and the Kitchen Fair Division, expanding into cast aluminum production.
That same year, Regal Ware purchased the Micro 21 microwave cookware line from Raytheon, introducing cookware tailored for the modern microwave-era kitchen. The company even ventured into home protection with the quirky yet innovative Startler Burglar Alarm.
In 1985, Regal Ware became one of the first to market an automatic bread maker, launching “The Bread Machine by Regal”—a product that helped define a new category in home baking.
1990s - At West Bend
In the early 1990s, West Bend leaned into innovation and retailer collaboration. In 1991, it launched Curl Crazy, an electric spiral cutter for veggies and fruits. By 1993, it introduced a three-speed hand mixer developed at Wal-Mart’s request, reflecting its agile, domestic manufacturing capabilities.
By 1995, as part of Premark’s Consumer Products Group, West Bend operated a 1.5-million-square-foot plant in Wisconsin and had additional facilities across North America. Its cookware was marketed under 23 brands, including Lifetime, Kitchen Craft, Lustre Craft, and Royal Queen, and sold widely across the U.S. and Canada.
1970s
1990s - At Regal Ware
In 1991, Regal Ware launched Classica, a multi-layer stainless steel line crafted exclusively for the direct sales channel. The company also expanded its electric appliance offerings, introducing the second-generation La Machine, an electric knife, and a growing line of coffee makers.
In 1995, Regal Ware celebrated its 50th anniversary with the release of the Pizza Pal, an electric pizza cutter designed for fun and function.
By 1999, the company made a pivotal move—exiting the entry-level retail cookware market and selling that division to Mirro Co. This allowed Regal Ware to double down on its roots: high-quality, direct-to-consumer cookware, a focus that continues to define the brand today.
2000s - Heritage, Retail & Culinary Influence
In 2007, Regal Ware re-entered the retail market with a premium focus, launching Unity Cookware and Biro Cookware—high-end stainless steel lines endorsed by celebrity chefs Marcus Samuelsson and Marcel Biró, and sold through upscale retailers like Macy’s and Williams-Sonoma.
In 2008, the West Bend Company/Regal Ware Historic Museum opened in West Bend, Wisconsin, celebrating the region’s rich legacy in American cookware manufacturing.
In 2009, Regal Ware introduced American Kitchen Cookware to retailers at the International Housewares Show, marking the beginning of a new era in its premium product portfolio.
2010s - Global Reach & Digital Transformation
In 2015, Regal Ware embraced digital commerce, launching its first direct-to-consumer e-commerce site under the American Kitchen brand. The company also invested heavily in its Wisconsin facility—adding robotic production lines, upgraded tech systems, and high-tech roles.
In 2017, it acquired Mirador Thermal Innovations, expanding into advanced heating solutions. And in 2019, while Regal Ware sold the Kitchen Fair brand, it continued to manufacture the cookware in-house—maintaining its legacy of quality craftsmanship.
2021 - A New Name
SynergyOps became the official manufacturing division of Regal Ware, located in West Bend, Wisconsin, making products for some of the best-known brands around the world.
2024 - Our Quality Commitment
SynergyOps became ISO 9001:2005 certified, underscoring its dedication to product quality, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.
2025 — Stronger Than Ever
SynergyOps is stronger than ever—still producing, still innovating, and still rooted in West Bend, WI. Backed by decades of manufacturing expertise, we continue to deliver quality, consistency, and reliability to our partners.
We’re still at it. Now you can be part of it.
