Similar to Blenko, Fenton, and Marble King, the ceramic company of Homer Laughlin is a community centered, family owned company. They began across the Ohio River in East Liverpool but when the demand for their product increased they moved the company to undeveloped land and crated the new factory and surrounding community of Newell, WV. They still own the bridge across the river and run the towns water and sewage system.
The company started with the above type of ceramics which were used in hospitals and other institutions. They eventually expanded to dinnerware and fine china. The famous Fiesta line was started in 1936. The lavender line below is the most valuable and rarest color today.
How much to you think the butter dish costs?
This fish is actually one of the most expensive items and is going for about $8000.
Other then Fiesta dinnerware, this company has made specialty pattern dishes that have appeared in places like The Greenbrier, The Govenors mansion, the Biltmore, and the New York Marriott. Their dishes can be found in chains like Bob Evans, Applebees, PF Changs, Texas Steakhouse, Steak and Shake and many more. Many people have requested specialty patterns as well.
Homer Laughlin's success came from how he revolutionized the china industry and at one time was considered the largest pottery producer in the world.
Like glass, ceramics require some important ingredients that come from all around the world. The two types of clay are white clay from Europe and ivory clay from the Kentucky-Tennessee border. Most of the clay in the local area was yellow and undesirable.
Can you identify any periodic table elements in some of the following ingredients?
The process for creating the dishes range from a process known as Jiggering (round objects), Ram pressing (oval objects), drain casting (hollow objects) and pressure casting. They use both manual stations and robotic equipment in the production line. Some production lines run 24hrs a day. The kiln temperature is 2300 degrees and the heating only occurs once.
INSERT SLIDE SHOW OF FACTORY PHOTOS.
This strong (vitrified) china is so unique that it's company is doing better today then in many years past.
Discussion questions for class:
1. What are some similarities between glass production and ceramic production?
2. What does the word vitrified mean and why do you think that is important for dinnerware?
3. Why do you think Homer Laughlin chose this location for his business?
Assignment:
1.. What do you think important skills would be in order to work in this factory?
2. What are some independent and dependent variables in the process of making ceramics?
(NOTE: Assignment questions will be used as an opener to my in class assignment for understanding the science and math involved with the industry. I hope to email Mike for a copy of the training math test used for his employees and I hope the students realize the lab aspect of the creative side behind ceramic engineering.)
Great question asking kids to compare the process of glass and ceramic production.
ReplyDeleteAs always, I enjoyed your lesson and associated questions. I share your pride in another West Virginia manufacturer whose products are valued all over the world.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Very detailed and to the point in what you expect from your students.
ReplyDeleteGood post I really liked how you put a reflection with your lesson
ReplyDeleteI think this was my favorite place. I could've spent more hours there just talking to the employees! Im hoping I can use some of your blog in my class!!
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