In 1932 Lefere patented the
process of putting "reverse draft" on heavy truck wheel hubs. This
breakthrough
guaranteed Lefere 98% of hub business from all major
manufactures including: Dayton-Walther, Kelsey Hayes, Motor Wheel, and
Rockwell International.
Lefere had a captive market for this product until the late '70s when
many market changes occurred. Aggressive diversification resulted in
substantial growth in the '80s and '90s, from less that 10 total accounts to
over 100 accounts in all markets today.
Lefere Today
As the fourth
generation of Lefere family owners look to the future, they remain
committed to long-lasting forging solutions.
New product
development and continued diversification with an emphasis on mid- to high-volume work has greatly increased efficiencies and
product throughput.
Deliveries from Lefere are second to none. Large inventories of standard
grade raw materials provide fast turnaround and piece-of-mind to all
customers. At any point in time it is not unusual for steel inventories to
exceed ten (10) million pounds.
News
Timeline
First Quarter 2007
Lefere has added a
second CNC to the die room. This unit is a Toyoda Vertical Machining Center
and allows us to machine up to and including the largest die block we use
for non-symmetrical parts.
First Quarter 2006
We are pleased to
announce that Beth Perez has joined Lefere as CFO and Controller. Beth has a
diversified accounting background and is also a CPA.
Third Quarter 2005
Steel
surcharge section updated monthly.
Current
surcharges.
Second Quarter 2005
Lefere Forge
captures diversified new businesses in markets
including power transmission, petro-chemical valves, large bore diesel
pistons and gear blanks.
First Quarter 2005
Lefere Forge is
pleased to announce the addition of a Viper V-1500 CNC Vertical Machining
Center allowing for additional in house
production of dies for parts that are non-symmetrical.
Fourth Quarter 2004
Lefere Forge
sales for the fourth quarter concluded at near record levels. Continued
growth expected into the first quarter 2005 and beyond.
Royal Lefere (Ike)
Royal Lefere -
Chairman, past president and general manager passed away on
November 7, 2004. Ike's tenacity and perseverance over his 57 years of
service allows the company to flourish into the fourth generation.
Stephen Lefere, Named President
Steve Lefere,
52 elected president following retirement of
Maury Lefere. Steve has worked at Lefere his entire career
following
graduation from Albion College.
Formerly VP of
Quality, Steve's vision involves aggressive marketing
and continued growth.
Maury Lefere, Retires
Maury Lefere, President since 1991, retired
August 1, 2003. Also at this time, Al Lefere retired as Vice
President, Die Room and Plant Manager. Both Maury and Al spent their
entire careers at Lefere Forge. Both remain available for
consultation.
2000 Quality Certification to ISO9001:2000
Lefere Forge is certified to
ISO9001:2000. Registrar
is AQSR International.
Certification
document.
1989-1999
Lefere began an intensive
customer and product diversification program. Over this time Lefere grew from less than 10 customers to over 100 active accounts.
1980-88
Time of company and product realignment and
transition.
1979
Many truck hubs converted to castings
1933-1979
Lefere supplied virtually 98% of all truck
hubs to North America
1932 Lefere Forge patents 'Reverse Draft' on Truck Hubs
Lefere Forge patents process for forging hubs eliminating significant machining operations,
saving customers thousands of dollars in processing and cost.
1931 Lefere Forge becomes Debt Free
All bank loans are paid off and the company
operates debt free.
1929 Lefere Forge is started during the Great Depression
Lefere Forge started by Alidor Lefere. Not
afraid to take a chance he starts a hammer forging plant mainly making
forged truck hubs and gear blanks.
