The third generation of the Bunting family has taken over at Bunting Magnetics Group, and he is already looking at more international expansion.
Robert Bunting has been named president and CEO of the Newton Falls, Kan.-based company, taking over those duties from his father, Bob, who had helmed the company since 1993, and his grandfather, Walter, who started the company in 1959.
Bunting is a global leader in such areas as magnetic separators, metal detectors, material handling and other magnet-related products.
While Bunting already has locations in the United Kingdom and Canada, Robert Bunting envisions more global growth, even if it is more of a long-term opportunity.
"Bunting has a strong footprint in the U.S., Canada and England," he said. "One of my goals is to increase the reach of our products further into England, south from the U.S. to the tip of South America and to cover the Asian market."
The company has remained consistent even with the economic ups and downs due to the ability to weather a rise in raw material prices, Bunting said. Even when prices are high, the company's products are needed to help maintain clean, uncontaminated plastic, Bunting said.
Being a family-owned business has allowed for agility that many companies do not always have, Bunting said. However, family business must also be receptive to change and be flexible. Recruiting employees to join the team also can be a bit of an easier task than for some other companies.
"Family businesses offer a level of security to their employees," Bunting said. "That stability allows companies like Bunting to tell a narrative to potential employees about why they should join our company."