COMPANY HISTORY
The past defines the future. A great company begins with a simple vision.
In 1924, Ben Dathe immigrated to the United States from Dresden, Germany, to pursue his dream of owning a tool and die company. He had started his tool-and-die apprenticeship in the old country at the age of 14.
Twenty-one years later, Ben proudly opened the doors of Benda Tool in Berkeley, California. The company name was taken from the first five letters of his own name. From the outset, Benda Tool established a reputation for personal service and high-quality manufacturing.
Early on, Ben recognized the potential of die casting. Encouraged by his best customer, Ben created a new die casting company called A&B Die Casting. When Ben’s son, Bob, joined the business sporting a degree in mechanical engineering, Benda Tool and A&B Die Casting, were united in a new 5,000 sq. ft. plant.
That simple move truly ignited the company’s growth and future.
Growing Ten-Fold
In 1999, after 40 years in Berkley, the company moved into a new state-of-the-art facility in Hercules, California. The move into a larger facility allowed A&B to provide a more complete line of services. A&B Die Casting quickly grew ten-fold making advanced die casting aluminum components for scientific instruments, medical hardware, architectural lighting, microwave technologies, telecommunications, computers, and so much more.
Today A&B Die Casting offers its customer a diverse range of services, including engineering, design, custom die casting, prototyping, machining, finishing, and assembly – in short, a complete range of precision die casting services for Dock to Stock and Just in Time service.
As a boy, Ben Dathe was always curious, constantly searching for ways to refine his vision and bring innovation to need. He instilled this in his company – the desire to optimize whatever process was necessary to get the job done right. Optimized service. Optimized value.
A&B Die Casting Company Founding Traditions
His driving passion for excellence, coupled with his family’s rich tradition and deep appreciation for engineering, design, and modern technology, has allowed the business to redefine itself in new technologies but always forged in the founding practices of the company. This approach – has earned A&B the respect and confidence of many customers over the years.
The company’s future now rests on the shoulders of Ben’s Grandson, Steve Dathe. With a degree in manufacturing engineering and a passion for technology, Steve is committed to employing state-of-the-art equipment and information integration systems that ensure part consistency, quality, precision, and timely delivery—echoing and continuing his family tradition for service and excellence.