NewAge Industries announces the passing of Raymond E. Baker, who founded the company in 1954. Baker, who was 91 years old, died peacefully at his Florida home on January 28, 2010, following a brief illness.
Baker began his business career after serving as a medical technician sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a successful district sales manager for the Singer sewing machine company but found he wanted more challenges. He started NewAge Industries Inc. and imported hardness testing equipment from Italy. During one of his many business trips to Europe, he came across an interesting new product — braid-reinforced PVC hose. Baker began importing the hose, which he named Nylobrade, and introduced it to the United States.
With his strong work ethic and skills, Baker grew both the hardness testing machine and hose sides of his business over the following decades. In 1998, Baker sold the company to his youngest son, Ken, and maintained his position as chairman of the board until his death. Today, NewAge Industries manufactures plastic tubing and rubber hose for a variety of industries. Its AdvantaPure division targets the pharmaceutical industry with high purity products and RFID devices and technology. The company that Baker built is now a leader in tubing and hose manufacturing, holds several patents and sells products worldwide.