Creating the World’s Largest Die Set Manufacturer

Walkerville Publishing is pleased to announce the release of a much-anticipated book by Clare Winterbottom, Windsor, Ontario entrepreneur extraordinaire. Made in Windsor- The Anchor Lamina Way explores Clare’s winning business formulae, including how he anticipated and maneuvered through good times and bad, managed risk and consistently out-executed his competitors.

Few businesses have achieved the level of success attained by Windsor, Ontario-based Anchor Lamina Inc. The company’s growth was meteoric: from annual sales of $400,000 to almost $200 million in less than 23 years, despite three major recessions.

In 1997, 100% of Anchor Lamina Inc.’s stock was acquired by Harrowston Inc. for an all-time high of $8 per share; this translated into a sale price of over $250 million.

In 1975, the die set industry was considered past its prime, with few prospects for growth. Undaunted, a group of investors led by Clare E. Winterbottom purchased troubled Anchor Machine and Manufacturing Ltd. of Mississauga, a company and an industry facing an uncertain future.

But Winterbottom knew better. He saw great potential and untapped areas of business, so he and the men rolled up their sleeves, got to work and chased their dream.

Anchor Lamina’s rise from an obscure player to an international powerhouse in the die set industry has become the stuff of local legend in the Windsor, Ontario area. What is lesser known is how the company achieved such incredible success.

Hence, the genesis for a book that not only celebrates the 30th anniversary of the company’s founding in 1975, but also acts as a “how to” guide of sorts for striving entrepreneurs and business students.

Within these pages, Winterbottom describes how a highly-motivated workforce grew a company that expanded to 14 factories in three countries, utilizing the most modern equipment and technologies in the industry, with almost 1,000 highly skilled workers.

This intriguing story follows Winterbottom’s journey from a small community along the shores of Lake Erie to the towers of America’s power brokers.

Here is tale of entrepreneurs and risk-takers, led by a visionary who saw things as they really were, and possessed a dogged determination to create the biggest and best die set manufacturer on the planet. Sample Chapter>