Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1515234
Dexter-Russell 67 When he was president, Hardy recognized the growing importance of plastics and looked into using this material for the knife handles. Russell-Harrington began experimenting with designs and soon started molding and selling plastic handles, which eventually became 80 percent of its business. Increased overall production, the polypropylene handle segment of the business, as well as capacity to make nearly 2,000 different shaped blades, helped to improve efficiency and resulted in a profit the first year Hyde took over. For product development the professional user is foremost in Dexter's thoughts. A knife, turner or spatula could be held and used by a professional chef, butcher, fish processor or line cook for an entire shift. At Dexter, the blade, cutting edge, blade flex and the handle are made with these users in mind to optimize performance at a solid value. From its inception Dexter has been, and continues to be, product-focused and manufacturing-biased. "We enjoy the process and understand how to manufacture and can carry that over to new products and processes," said Alan Peppel, President and CEO. "e company is committed to the manufacturing process itself and its contributions to the economy." DEXTER MEETS NEEDS INDOORS, OUTDOORS AND ON THE ROAD Recently, Dexter added to its manufacturing processes a new product line designed to make working in the kitchen more enjoyable for those who have limited strength in their fingers, hands, wrists and shoulders. DuoGlide® knives provide more comfort and control, due to their soft, textured handles that fit securely in the hand. e blades feature Dexter's hallmark "ultimate edge" and are super sharp with indentations that make the surface non-stick. e unique design of the knives allows the user to position the blade directly over the food to reduce hand discomfort. e DuoGlide line has met the stringent laboratory testing standards at the Arthritis Foundation and has earned the organization's Ease-of-Use Commendation. Dexter's robotic grinding cell is a prime example of the company's technological advances.