John Jeppson

John Jeppson(1844-1920) was a 20th-century industrialist in Worcester, Massachusetts, who became famous for founding the Norton Company.

Life

Jeppson was born on July 1, 1844 in Hoganas, Sweden. Jeppson’s father was a carpenter and several of his ancestors were mechanics. Jeppson went to school in his birthplace, but at the age of 12 went to work in a pottery and brick factory. At the age of 16 Jeppson learned how to manufacture architectural ornaments. He worked in the pottery and brick factory until the age of 24. Around the age of 25 he decided to try his luck to America. When he arrived in America he gained employment with Norton in Worcester, Ma, which at this time only produced pottery. Jeppson became very skilled at his profession and earned the highest salaries. In 1873 Jeppson managed to produce an artificial emery stone. He continued his experiments and in 1885 the Norton Emery Wheel Company was created with Jeppson as one of the creators. Jeppson became the company’s first plant manager. Jeppson then went on to become the Chief Engineer of the Norton Emery Wheel Company. He maintained this position until his death in 1920.

Norton Company

After John Jeppson’s death in 1920 the Norton Company began its expansion. The Norton Company opened up factories in Canada, France and Germany. At the time of Jeppson’s death Norton Company had twelve employees and two ovens. After the expansion of the Norton Company in Worcester the company now had multiple buildings and a huge complex consisting of some 50 buildings.

The John Jeppson Award

The John Jeppson Award which originated in 1958 is one of the most prestigious awards given by the American Ceramic Society. The award recognizes distinguished scientific, technical, or engineering achievements in ceramics.

External links

• Family firm to modern multinational: Norton Company, a New England enterprise: Volume 36 of Harvard studies in business history by Charles W. Cheape (Harvard University Press, 1985, ISBN 0-674-29261-8, ISBN 978-0-674-29261-1)

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