Robert (Bob) Bunting, who took over Bunting Magnetics in Newton, Kan., and during a three-decade career diversified product lines and expanded into international markets, died June 17. He was 76.
“My father dedicated his life to this company,” said Robert Bunting Jr., Bob’s son and current president and CEO of Bunting, in a news release. “He was a tireless worker whose vision and determination shaped Bunting into the company it is today. He held high standards and pushed us to be our best, but those who knew him understood it came from a place of deep care — for the people who worked here and the future he was building for all of us.”
Bunting Magnetics was founded in 1959 by Walter and June Bunting. Son Bob took over as president and CEO in 1993 and held that post until 2022. Bunting Magnetics was founded in the Chicago area but moved to Newton, Kan., in 1979.
The company manufactures magnetic separation, metal detection and conveyor equipment for a wide range of industries, including plastics, recycling, food processing, mining, and pharmaceuticals. It also produces high-precision printing cylinders for decorating two-piece cans used in the packaging and beverage industries.
Bob and his wife Barbara were active in Newton-area charitable and civic organizations and established a scholarship fund to help the children of employees pursue higher education.
