72 between its own work and the contract work for Western States. Recognizing the importance of reliable production and on-time delivery, Western States leased Columbia Tool’s operations on February 15, 1936. The lease included an option to buy all of Columbia Tool’s assets, and Western States exercised that option a year later. Dudley Parker was named General Manager, and Dean Dove took his place as Secretary- Treasurer. A year later, Joe Hertrich left Philadelphia Gear Works to lead research and development for Western States, bringing his brother-in-law, Bill Grieselhuber, along as an engineer. Now four of the sugar industry’s greatest innovators were collaborating within one organization. As Roberts, Stevens, and Hertrich continued to push the envelope in designing centrifugals and associated products, Dudley Parker managed the books and oversaw production with the help of Dean Dove. Western States produced a pair of successful 2200 rpm gear-driven centrifugals, which were a big topic at the 1938 International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists Congress in Louisiana. Another outcome of that well-attended meeting was the establishment of an agency and a surge of sales in Australia. Under an earlier agreement, Gimson and Tate & Lyle began the production and marketing of centrifugals in England. As the decade drew to a close, Hawaiian sugar producers asked Roberts to investigate the possibility of developing a water-driven centrifugal capable of 2200 rpm. Existing water- driven models could not exceed 1200 rpm. While Roberts devoted his attention to solutions, the war in Europe brought a different kind of business to Hamilton. Western States began to manufacture products for R. K. LeBlond Machine Tool and other manufacturers who were ramping up for the war effort. And, as the business grew, the craft workers at the plant agreed to form a local union to represent their interests. CHAPTER 5 right: During WWII, LeBlond contracted Western States to manufacture lathes and shipped them to Russia where they were used to manufacture ammunition.