
NEW LIBERTY, Iowa – Gary August, the longtime general manager and president of the Liberty Pattern Company in this community, recently retired after a 43-year career with the company.
Mr. August officially retired at the start of this year.
Steve Slininger succeeds Mr. August as company president of the Liberty Pattern Company.
Liberty Pattern is a global leader in 3D printing, pattern tooling, fixtures and machining, serving the aerospace, military, defense and ag industries, according to information from the company.
Located at 430 Main St., Liberty Pattern was founded in 1981 by Bill August, with a promise that “Liberty Pattern Company will produce only top-quality work with on-time or early deliveries.” What started as a small pattern shop in a two-bay service station has grown into a globally-recognized leader in pattern engineering in a 50,000-square-foot facility in this small Scott County town.
The family-owned and operated company produces casting tooling for the aerospace, aircraft, agricultural, and automotive industries, with an increasing emphasis on aerospace and aircraft, according to the company.
Gary August was hired as the company’s first full-time employee in 1981 by his parents, Bill and Gelene.
Launching a new business amid a recession was challenging, but this wasn’t the only obstacle Liberty Pattern faced in its early days. It was also difficult to find qualified, experienced workers. He and his family had no choice but to roll up their sleeves, sometimes clocking 80-hour work weeks, according to the company.