Posted February 4, 2010
NewAge Industries founder dies
NewAge Industries announced the death 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 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 U.S.
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.
