Literally starting in a garage in 
1991, W.F. Lake Corp’s founders drew on their broad base of industry experience to establish themselves as manufacturers in the world of PTFE coated fiberglass. The initial focus was on manufacturing PTFE coated fiberglass yarns and sewing threads, along with converting PTFE coated fiberglass fabrics, tapes and belts manufactured by other suppliers.
Once the ball was rolling, they began vertically integrating into PTFE coating of fabrics and tapes. “By this time, we had established the yarn and thread coating operation, and soon began investing in coating towers capable of producing PTFE coated fiberglass fabrics, tapes and belts, adding these operations to our existing yarn and thread coaters”. The Company essentially became its own best customer! This philosophy would serve the company well. Sensible vertical integration is still a driving principle.
In a few short years, the company invested in their first dedicated manufacturing site.
Shortly after moving into the new facility, they purchased Furon Corporation’s coated yarn, sewing thread and braiding operation (That business unit is where PTFE coating of fiberglass first began many years ago using the trade name “Fluorglas”. This essentially makes W.F. Lake Corp., through acquisition, the oldest manufacturer of PTFE coated fiberglass yarns and sewing threads in the industry!).
This “Fluorglas” unit was melded into their existing operation and, as the business grew, they added additional coating capacity and vertically integrated once again by purchasing several twister frames and braiders.
Their in-house ability to twist and ply fiberglass and aramid yarns lead to producing new, innovative products in rapid response to unique opportunities. New PTFE coated fiberglass products never before offered, including twisted aramid, fiberglass, wire, quartz and carbon composites, were being developed regularly as driven by customer needs and market opportunities …all designed and manufactured in one facility!
Thirty years later, serving a diverse group of industries, W.F. Lake Corp. operates in over 50,000 square feet of dedicated manufacturing space and continues to sensibly expand production capacity and processing capabilities in all aspects of the business including PTFE coated fiberglass fabrics, adhesive tapes, belting, yarns, threads, cord, and braided products.
Of course, we fully realize that none of this is possible without the help and support of many people. Our families, dedicated employees (the first person we hired still works with us!), suppliers, and customers make this possible and (almost always!) fun and exciting.
Continued sensible, sustainable growth will keep W.F. Lake Corp. moving steadily into the future. We THANK all of our customers, suppliers and employees for their continued support and look forward to a bright and stable future for all involved with W.F. Lake Corp.