When Smith joined Kanthal in 1988, the world of electric heating looked very different. Iron-chromium-aluminum (FeCrAl) alloys ruled the market, and household appliances like toasters, kettles, and flat irons carried the weight of our ambitions. Today, as Smith prepares to pass the baton, we stand firmly in the world of industrial heating, playing a critical role in shaping an electrified, sustainable future.
“Renaissance of electric heat”
Our competitors didn’t innovate; they reacted to our lead. Kanthal drove change, and others followed.
Smith recalls the surge of change when we decided to fully embrace nickel-chromium (NiCr) materials—a move that fueled our expansion into major appliance markets and beyond. It was the 1990s, an era defined by rapid industrial and technological shifts, and Kanthal thrived. By reimagining products and introducing Kanthal® APM tubes, we redefined what electric heating could achieve. “Our competitors didn’t innovate; they reacted to our lead. Kanthal drove change, and others followed,” Smith proclaims.
Soon after, Kanthal® APM alloy emerged as our crown jewel, a natural fit in the semiconductor industry for its unmatched resilience. It embodied our approach: anticipate an evolving world's needs and engineer solutions that reframe the narrative. But with the turn of the millennium came new challenges and an ever-growing awareness of the environmental impact of industrial processes. Smith saw firsthand the seismic shifts—not just in technology but in consciousness. As the demand for fossil fuels faced scrutiny, the call for cleaner, electric heating solutions grew louder.
“There was a time when using gas was a given,” Smith reflects, “but the world changed. Concerns about greenhouse gases and climate change shifted perspectives. Once considered expensive, electric heat is now seen as essential in our march toward sustainability.” Today, Smith calls this shift the “Renaissance of Electric Heat,” a phrase that speaks to a new age, that values progress and preservation.
A continuum of people and purpose
Our story, however, is not just about industrial evolution but about human endeavor. Smith recounts the quiet triumphs and hard-won lessons of competing in a global marketplace. Throughout the 2000s, we strengthened our hold by investing in thermocouple production, acquiring key competitors, and continuing to refine our offerings. But beyond the numbers and takeovers, Smith sees something more—a continuum of people and purpose. “It’s more than just about profit,” he shares. “It’s about improving lives, creating careers, and positively impacting communities.” Smith smiles as he contemplates the unbroken chain of mentors and mentees, of torches, passed, from Alfred Rapp to Bob Grandi, and now, from him to a new generation.
Looking toward the future, Smith is resolute in his optimism. He envisions Kanthal as a cornerstone of the electrification movement, driven by the urgent need to reduce carbon footprints and embrace renewable energy. “Energy storage is an exciting frontier,” he muses. “Electric heating plays a role in balancing and managing the intermittent nature of renewables. As renewable energy generation grows, so will the need for innovative storage solutions, regulation, and thermal management—roles that Kanthal is uniquely positioned to fulfill.”
“We wrote the book on electric heating”
Smith is candid, though. He acknowledges that the journey ahead will demand resilience and vision. The technology at our core may be time-honored, but he stresses that continuous reinvention is key. He calls for fresh investments, breakthroughs in electric resistance materials, efficiency in manufacturing, and a global mindset to keep Kanthal competitive. “We wrote the book on electric heating,” Smith says with quiet pride. “But to remain relevant, we must keep writing, innovating, and believing in our mission.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Smith marvels at how Kanthal has shaped his life. He speaks of a young man from a small town in the United States who, through Kanthal, discovered a world of interconnected ideas, cultures, and aspirations. The experience broadened his perspective, helping him see beyond borders and embrace a shared humanity. “Working with people from different parts of the world, I realized that our differences aren’t so vast,” he reflects. “Politics aside, people everywhere strive for something better, and Kanthal has always been part of that journey.
The best is yet to come
Smith’s eyes brighten as he contemplates the next chapter—not only for himself but for the company he has devoted his life to. “I’ll be watching from the sidelines, hoping to see Kanthal thriving, innovating, and making a difference.” He knows that the future will bring challenges, but he is certain that the spirit of Kanthal—the dedication to excellence, the drive to innovate, and the commitment to impact—will continue. In Smith’s words, “The world needs us now more than ever. With the right people, the right vision, and a relentless focus on innovation, Kanthal’s legacy will endure.”
And as he steps away, Smith leaves with a resounding hope: that Kanthal’s best days are still ahead.