HEIDTMAN STEEL MARKS 50 YEARS

Toledo Blade article published Thursday, September 23, 2004

A roaring party half a century in the making was Saturday in the Toledo Zoo's Nairobi Pavilion. It was the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Heidtman Steel Products, Inc., which bills itself as the nation's largest privately held flat-rolled steel service network, founded and headquartered in Toledo.

Bill Heidtman's late father, Fred, started the small operation in 1954 on Laskey Road; Bill joined shortly thereafter. John Bates, who came on board in 1963, is now owner, president, and CEO of the company from which Bill Heidtman retired in 1983.

Bill Heidtman and John Bates at the anniversary celebration. ( THE BLADE/LISA DUTTON )

More than 700 guests partied at the "Wild About Fifty"-themed affair with a clambake dinner that also included lobster, mussels, and swordfish. There were no long speeches - just lots of fun and reminiscing.

Among the revelers were Mr. Bates' wife, Sarah, Mr. Heidtman's wife, Gloria, and Mr. Bates' father, Chuck, who joined the company after retiring from another steel company. Also, Mark and Karen Ridenour, Ron Langenderfer, Mike and Lyn Kruse, Chuck and Joni Arredia, Bob and Donna Mens, Dave and Dottie Pienta, and Tim and Lisa Berra.