Page 9 - HIWT Fall 2011 World of Welding

hiwt@welding.org HOBART INSTITUTE OF WELDING TECHNOLOGY

WeldinG sPans Generations and teCHnoloGies

By Marty Baker, Editor

The influence of welding often spans generations and extends
to related technologies as families share in stories of their
work with their children and extended family. Dan Kidder is
a classic example of how welding has crossed the generational
lines.

Dan’s mother, Nan, spent her entire working career at Hobart
Brothers Company serving most of that time as administrative
assistant to Howard Cary, company vice president and
simultaneously president of the then Hobart School of
Welding. It was no surprise that in the summer of 1974, when
Dan graduated from high school, he attended welding school
during the day and worked at Hobart Brothers Company at
night. He was able to learn all arc welding processes in what
is now the Combination Structural and Pipe Welding Program
at Hobart Institute.
Dan Kidder and Wade Blankenship
Dan later took a job as a welder at Hobart Corporation - the
food equipment manufacturer – to gain some experience before “The robots really caught my eye,” Wade commented. “When
returning to the welding school where he taught welding from I graduated from Covington High School, I worked for a while
1976 – 1985. Seeking to expand his knowledge base, Dan as a welder but I was undecided as to what I wanted to do with
accepted a position as a welding technician in the procedure the rest of my life. After my tour of Motoman and speaking
laboratory at Hobart Brothers Company. with Dan, I knew that welding, robots and Motoman were
where I belonged. Upon the advice of a Motoman department
It wasn’t long before robots were brought into the Advanced manager and Dan, I attended a community college at night
Welding Systems Division of the company and Dan saw an and later applied for a position with Motoman.”
opportunity for advancement as a robot welding technician. A (Continued on page 11)
joint venture between Hobart Brothers
Company and Motoman, Inc. was
formed in 1989 and Dan has been
working with Motoman robots ever
Good Used Welders
since, currently as a process engineer.
“Without a doubt, everything I
have done my entire career has been
based on the welding training I had
at Hobart Institute,” said Dan.

When Dan’s middle daughter began
dating Wade Blankenship in high IndIAnApOLIs • sInCE 1918
school, Dan gave him a tour of
Motoman. Wade began welding in his
garage and also obtained a position Miller • Lincoln • Hypertherm
welding for a small machine shop in Stick • TIG • MIG • Plasma • Engine Drives
Dayton, so he knew some of the basics
and Dan shared his skills as well. See our complete list at:
www.sutton-garten.com

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