 Family companies steeped in history like The Homer Laughlin China Company (HLC), 142 years old and the largest remaining domestic tableware manufacturer in the United States, tend to write their stories based on generations of leadership, continuing progress, and increasing excellence. The chapters represent milestones, not just change. For the first time in HLC’s history, the mantle of leadership is being handed down, not to a successive generation, but from brother to sister. With a quiet nod typical of the privately held company, Homer Laughlin has announced Elizabeth McIlvain as its new president, effective March 18, 2013. As a fourth-generation owner of the company, Elizabeth takes over the position from her brother, Joseph Wells III, who is stepping down after 50 years of service.
Wells III will take his esteemed father’s place as chairman of the board.
In her new position, McIlvain will assist the board in overseeing all operations of the company’s two principal divisions — retail and commercial dinnerware — both operating out of the 37-acre manufacturing plant located in Newell, West Virginia. Her main focus is a continued emphasis on increasing sales companywide.
| In her new position, McIlvain will assist the board in overseeing all operations of the company’s two principal divisions — retail and commercial dinnerware — both operating out of the 37-acre manufacturing plant located in Newell, West Virginia. Her main focus is a continued emphasis on increasing sales companywide.
“Liz has been a sounding board for many in the company seeking a level-headed decision maker,” said Wells of his sister, who currently sits on the board as executive vice president. “She has been at my side for the past several years helping me manage day-to-day operations. The way I see it, this move now gives title to what she does every day at HLC. And I’m sure our father, Joe Wells Jr., would have been proud to see the company leadership transitioning this way.”
|  Homer Laughlin names family member Liz McIlvain President. McIlvain takes the place of her brother Joe Wells III who moves to become Chairman of The Board. | When asked about her plans, McIlvain said, “Business as usual, but kicked into high gear.” She explained, “We are growing. In the last decade, we have expanded manufacturing, introduced new brands, and assimilated new companies. All the while, our mission has remained true—leadership and innovation in the manufacture of quality lead-free china for the retail and commercial markets. For a company in its second century, growth and commitment to leadership means we run to the next opportunity. That’s what I will encourage. HLC will continue to write the history of the dinnerware category.”Gene Williamson, recently appointed vice president of sales, Foodservice Division, for the HLC Inc. family of companies, offers that McIlvain is the ear company leaders seek. HLC companies include Homer Laughlin China; Hall China; and the Kenilworth Trading Company, the exclusive distributor of RAK Ceramics in the U.S. To view the entire collection of HLC products for the hospitality industry, go here: http://www.hlchina.com/
For a true classic white dinnerware, ARCTIC WHITE from the Homer Laughlin China Company (HLC Inc.) is hard to match. Proudly made in America and lead-free, it’s budget-friendly, exceptionally durable, and versatile — at home in casual dining, family-focused, or café-style venues. A favorite from breakfast to dinner, ARCTIC WHITE is designed to coordinate with Bright White tabletop accessories — including shakers, vases, ramekins, and more — from Hall China, the largest manufacturer of specialty chinaware and also a member of the HLC family of companies. HLC’s ARCTIC WHITE consists of 37 basic items, encompassing various sizes of both round and square plates and oval platters; a variety of bowl shapes and sizes from pasta to soup to fruit; and several mugs, cups, and saucers. A perennial favorite, white china complements any décor and makes food look beautifully appetizing. And not only is ARCTIC WHITE American-made, it is also designed — along with all of HLC chinaware — to help preserve the world’s resources as part of their commitment to sustainable practices. | | “We want to give our customers the best, most durable chinaware they can find anywhere,” says Joseph M. Wells III, Homer Laughlin company president and CEO. “We think ARCTIC WHITE is a beautiful example of that, especially paired with Hall China’s Bright White accessories to make a completely coordinated tabletop. We are proud to include ARCTIC WHITE in our offering of quality products made in America.” HLC Inc. now brings customers the most complete dinnerware offering in the industry. The family of companies offer a comprehensive range of attractive, durable, and cost-effective commercial dinnerware, serving ware, bakeware, and tabletop accessories for foodservice institutions. To view the entire collection of foodservice products available from HLC Dinnerware - Homer Laughlin China, Hall China, and RAK Porcelain, go here: http://www.hlcdinnerware.com/
The Hall China Company®’s Super 5 Express shipping program for its foodservice line of specialty chinaware just got better. After extensive research, Hall China has chosen customers’ most-wanted items in ovenware and tabletop accessories for the Super 5 Express program—all guaranteed to ship within 5 days. A complete catalog of Super 5 Express items is available by contacting The Hall China Company or by visiting http://www.hlcdinnerware.com/general/hall-china.Most of the Super 5 Express items are available in either white or bright white, a perfect complement to any décor or tabletop style. The minimum order for Super 5 Express shipping is one full case of any item. Hall China also offers an industry-leading warranty against chipping under normal usage conditions for a period of five years from the date of delivery. | | The Hall China Company, founded in 1903 in East Liverpool, Ohio, is today the largest manufacturer of specialty dinnerware and part of the HLC Dinnerware family of companies, bringing customers the most complete dinnerware offering in the industry. Setting the tone--not just the table—is at the heart of the HLC commitment to its customers.
By offering tabletop completer items that complement a wide range of styles, Hall China has thrived by providing items that other manufacturers, foreign or domestic, simply cannot.
We all like to talk about the newest dinnerware shape or some new shaped serving pieces, but realistically….how many ways can you make square plates? For those chefs who use classic ceramic accessory items (oval bakers, goose-neck gravy boats or shirred egg dishes, for instance) finding good sources of supply can be difficult. Companies like Homer Laughlin with its acquisition of the Hall China line preserved one of the best sources for these types of items. Sure, some of the product lines made in the Far East have a few off the most popular items and they might be a little less expensive. But, if chefs are looking for the special item like a round shirred egg dish – Homer’s Hall China line has 5 sizes of that item available. Looking for a classic Oval Baker? What size did you want? They’ve got 6 oz., 7 oz., 8 oz., 10 oz., and 14 oz. Or, did you want the shallow version? The Hall China line has 2 sizes of the shallow oval baker, too. And, in case none of these are exactly what you’re looking for….the Hall China line from Homer Laughlin has six sizes of DEEP oval bakers, too! At left, you can see these 3 versions of oval bakers - deep (top), regular (middle), and shallow (bottom).
Still not finding the right size?! Then, try Hall's Boston baker...even another size of the same item! | |
So, while often the buzz is a about the newest shape, the newest porcelain material, the newest cooking style…..the classics still work. And we can’t think of a better place to go and get the classic tabletop pieces than the Hall China line, now from Homer Laughlin. Like a man’s blue blazer or a woman’s little black dress, a classic like Hall China is always in style and has been for over 100 years. You can see the entire lineup of Hall China accessories by going here: http://www.hlcdinnerware.com/general/hall-china
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