The Rangecraft production manager discussed the company’s milestone, his experience and more. By Loren Kessell
David Podwyszynski, Production Manager for RangeCraft in Fair Lawn, N.J., became part of the family business and has watched the company grow. This year, RangeCraft celebrated its 50th anniversary.
“When this business started in 1972, there were less than a handful of companies known for designing and fabricating custom range hoods,” Podwyszynski said. “Many range hood styles and shapes you see today originated from, and can be traced back to, our company. Rangecraft is proud and honored to be one of the few who are a pioneer in our industry.”
Podwyszynski spoke with the NKBA about his career so far, what’s next for the company and how RangeCraft continues to grow.
NKBA: What has been a career highlight during your time at RangeCraft?
DP: A career highlight during my time at Rangecraft would be obtaining a License Agreement with Swarovski Crystals to become the only range hood manufacturer in the world to adorn our range hoods with their crystals. It was special, because we always consider our hoods to be jewelry for your kitchen. What better way to stay true to our motto than using world-renowned crystals by Swarovksi. On a personal level I’d say being recognized by the NKBA for the Thirty Under 30 program. This was a major achievement that helped solidify and validate my career choices. I think to not become complacent everyone needs a bit of motivation or a spark in the workplace. Being a part of this program created so many opportunities that I’ll forever be thankful for.
NKBA: In the last 50 years, what have been some key highlights for the company?
DP: I can’t speak from experience on everything, but one would have to be the change in technology that has allowed Rangecraft to keep up with the times the past 50 years. The company was founded on using old-world techniques where everything from design, cutting, and assembling was done by hand. As the company grew the demand for these unique range hoods did too. This meant looking at more efficient ways of growing the business without sacrificing its principles and standards. In the late 80s early 90s, Rangecraft Manufacturing introduced CNC machines which in a way revolutionized “key” parts of production. All of our hoods are still put together one at a time by hand, but the beginning stages of production that use the CNC machines have allowed us to expand on our designs. Most of the old-world techniques in forming are still used everyday by some of the most elite craftsmen you’ll find. I believe these were key highlights from the production side.
Another is our list of clientele that we have worked with and the locations where some of our range hoods can be found. It’s incredible to think that Michelin-rated chefs, past U.S. Presidents and some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment, music and fashion all have a Rangecraft hood. When it comes to location, one of our favorite stories to tell is a client who had the roof of their home removed just so they could get the hood inside.
NKBA: How has RangeCraft continued to innovate and inspire throughout the years?
DP: Through the years, our company has been known for creating innovative custom range hoods. Currently, we have incorporated hidden storage that has helped in kitchens where space is an issue or with designs that do not include cabinets alongside the hood. Through automation it has become possible to hide all the necessities of cooking with the same unit that is responsible for exhausting smoke, grease and odors. We have found ways to incorporate storage without compromising functionality or the beauty of our range hoods. Rangecraft has won many design and innovation awards that continue to inspire us to think outside the box. One of these products includes a Blue Mirror Stainless Steel that we introduced in 2014 that has become synonymous with our company. We also recently introduced a herringbone pattern that was incorporated into a range hood using different gradients of a blackened steel finish.
NKBA: What inspired the expansion beyond range hoods? What are some of the company’s top products?
DP: Rangecraft has always been open to fabricating metal products outside of range hoods, but only recently has there been an uptick with the number of larger projects we’ve accepted. The inspiration came from builders, architects and designers knowing the quality of our work and our customization abilities. Given the times, it seemed many were facing challenges either finding a company that could manufacture its product, material shortages or lead times were too excessive to work around. Since everything we do from start to finish is designed and fabricated here in New Jersey, it allowed us to expand our portfolio while also helping those in a bind. Our bread and butter will always be our range hoods with the Miami, Baroque and Curvette styles leading the way. On the other hand, our ability to create anything out of sheet metal has led to countertops, industrial tables, pot racks and all other forms of architectural metal designs becoming a part of our everyday production.
NKBA: After so much success in the last 50 years, what’s next for the company?
DP: For any company to be in business for 50 years, it’s truly an American Dream. What’s next for us is continuing to provide our clients with the highest quality custom range hoods our industry can offer. While celebrating this massive achievement, Rangecraft still has a few things up our sleeve that will continue to shape our legacy. Since we are custom, the possibilities are endless. Stay tuned as we look to introduce them!
