Robert “Bob” Bunting, chairman of Bunting Magnetics, died June 17. He was 76.
Bunting Magnetics was founded in 1959 by Walter Bunting, Bob Bunting’s father. Bob Bunting led the company for nearly three decades, overseeing its expansion into international markets and the diversification of product lines.
“My father dedicated his life to this company,” says Robert Bunting Jr., Bob Bunting’s son who is president and CEO of Bunting. “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.”
Under Bob Bunting’s leadership, the company expanded its global footprint, establishing operations in the UK, China and Australia, as well as additional facilities across North America. He preserved Bunting’s identity as a family-owned business while championing innovation that positioned the company as a partner to manufacturers and producers across a broad range of industries, the company says.
In addition to his corporate leadership, Bob Bunting was committed to giving back to the community. He and his family consistently supported charitable, educational and civic initiatives across Newton, Kansas, where the company is located, as well as the surrounding region. Their longstanding support included the United Way, the Newton Public Library Foundation and the regional YMCA project, according to Bunting Magnetics.
In recognition of their leadership and generosity, Bob Bunting and his wife, Barbara, were honored as Philanthropists of the Year by the Newton Public Library Foundation and acknowledged by the Central Kansas Community Foundation.
The company says Bob Bunting also strongly believed in supporting Bunting Magnetics employees and their families. Under his guidance, the company established the Walter F. and June A. Bunting Memorial Scholarship Fund to help the children of employees pursue higher education. Whether through public gifts or quiet contributions, the company says Bob Bunting’s commitment to community reflected his deep belief that strong companies are built by strong, supported people.
