LODI - Key Persons
Gwen Krenecki, President here at Lodi Iron Works, is passionate about manufacturing, and has been part of the team here at Lodi Iron Works since 2009.
Henry H. Kaiser founded Lodi Iron Works (LIW) when he began making iron castings in Lodi, California in 1946. This long history is a good indicator of experience, a consistently superior product, decent people to do business with, and more than a little pride. The Lodi concept of quality began with people who demanded much more in casting performance, dependability and reliable service. Quality has been a tradition for more than 50 years.
Kevin Van Steenberge came on board full time starting in 1979 and assumed the role of president in 1999. Kevin carried on the tradition set by Henry and his mother Vickie to provide quality castings and to continuously exceed expectations, until 2020 when he handed over the great responsibility of continuing Lodi Iron Works' legacy to Gwen Krenecki.
Vickie Van Steenberge, past president, started with Lodi Iron Works in 1947 as a clerk and was a female entrepreneur long before that role enjoyed the cachet it does today. Vickie then assumed the role of President in 1962. In 1992, she was inducted into the Foundry Management & Technology "Hall of Honor" for her distinguished services, and in 1993 became the "Woman of the Year" for California's 10th Assembly District. After her passing in 1999, Vickie's sons Kevin and Michael Van Steenberge carried on the family tradition of running Lodi Iron Works. Today, her granddaughter Gwen proudly continues to build on her grandmother's legacy.