Oscar Kuntz
From The Waterloo Way Wiki
Oscar Kuntz, Kuntz Electroplating
The corporations’ humble beginning was on October 16th 1948 – the first day of production for Kuntz Electroplating Inc. The Company's founder, Oscar Kuntz, born on October 17, 1904, was a direct descendent of the Kuntz Family who owned and operated the famous Kuntz Brewery in Waterloo.
After studying chemistry and freelance writing at both St. Mike's in Toronto, Ontario and at Fordham University in Detroit, Oscar Kuntz and his wife decided to return to Waterloo, Ontario with their family to start their own business.
In 1947 Oscar purchased a building owned by Carr Brothers on Princess Street in Waterloo. Originally named Metal Finishers, Oscar started what is now Kuntz Electoplating Inc. with the assistance of his eldest son David.
By 1951, the company grew to 48 employees. Due to the rapid growth of the Company, the plant re-located to Nyberg Street in Kitchener.
The Nyberg Street location was expanded in both 1952 and 1956 to keep up with the growth of the company. Originally a 6,000 square foot plant in 1951, by 1956 it had doubled in size. In the late 1950's, Kuntz Electroplating had gained a reputation for its polishing and plating of household appliances, defense items including aircraft and radar work.
In 1964, after increased production, plant expansion and employee growth, Kuntz Electroplating outgrew its location on Nyberg Street. A site was located on Wilson Avenue in Kitchener's new Industrial park. In 1965, Kuntz Electroplating moved to its' present location at 851 Wilson Avenue in Kitchener. The 20th Anniversary in 1968 was marked by adding 6,000 square feet to the plant. Known today as the "old Hoist Line", this addition "modernized the premises" and rearranged its production lines for one instead of three shifts. In addition, Kuntz leased a 5,000 square foot building (Polishing Plant #2) to the right of the main plant, to increase it's polishing capabilities. At this time, the Company employed approximately 100 employees and serviced customers from Windsor to Montreal in the appliance, automotive and aerospace industries. Sadly, just a couple years after this anniversary milestone the Company's Founder, Oscar Kuntz, passed away at the age of 68.
Today, the company continues to grow and deliver the highest quality polished and plated parts to the world’s most recognized manufacturers including Harley, GM, Toyota, Honda, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes, Volvo, Nissan, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Freightliner to name just a few.
The Company is now known throughout the world as the # 1 Finisher in the industry. With a dedicated workforce and a commitment "To be the best at what we do", Kuntz Electroplating is poised to remain #1 and to continue it's phenomenal growth. Oscar would be proud!
