One of Windsor's premier manufacturing companies recently celebrated a significant milestone, welcoming over 200 guests to commemorate five decades of operation in the automotive capital of Canada.
A Family Legacy in Manufacturing
Cavalier Tool & Manufacturing Ltd. hosted a special open house on Friday, November 14, 2025, marking the company's 50th anniversary with what organizers called a rare opportunity to witness their manufacturing process firsthand. The event held particular significance for CEO and president Brian Bendig, who shared a unique connection to the company's founding.
I was born the day the company opened, Bendig revealed during the celebrations. For me, it was my 50th birthday and it was Cavalier's 50th birthday. Not a lot of tool shops in the city make it to 50. So we're very proud that we not only are still here, but we continue to grow.
The company was established in 1975 by Ray Bendig, Brian's father, along with partners Ron Kellenberger and Rick Jannise. What began as a local Windsor enterprise has evolved into a globally recognized leader in mould-making for the plastics industry.
Global Recognition and Local Impact
The anniversary event, dubbed Machine Demo Day, featured an impressive gathering of industry partners and competitors. Cavalier invited nearly 30 vendors for a tradeshow-style exhibition and welcomed partners from Europe, Asia and North America, demonstrating the company's international reach.
A highlight of the celebration featured a performance by a Kuka robot an industrial robotic arm manufactured by German company Hermle. In a gesture of appreciation, Hermle programmed the robot to pick up and deliver a bottle of champagne along its 85-foot production line, using a specially made champagne chiller.
It was so cool, Bendig remarked about the robotic demonstration that captivated attendees.
Today, Cavalier operates three plants in Windsor and Oldcastle, employing nearly 200 workers. The company has expanded its floor space multiple times over the past decade, with the most recent addition being a 12,000-square-foot facility completed earlier this year. This new space served as the exhibition floor for the anniversary festivities.
Celebrating Windsor's Manufacturing Identity
Beyond marking half a century in business, Bendig emphasized that the event served a broader purpose highlighting the strength of Windsor-Essex's manufacturing sector.
There's a lot of good things happening in Windsor-Essex, and sometimes we forget about that, Bendig observed. We got a lot of really good people, we got a lot of good companies, there's a lot of good manufacturing. So part of this weekend was designed around that.
The celebration showcased not only Cavalier's longevity but also the region's continued significance in the manufacturing landscape. As one of Windsor's top mould-makers, Cavalier's 50-year journey reflects the resilience and innovation characteristic of Southwestern Ontario's industrial heartland.
Workers like Sappo Khamphasath and Ray Girard were among those demonstrating the company's capabilities during facility tours, providing guests with firsthand insight into the precision work that has sustained Cavalier's reputation for five decades.
