Pontiac, Michigan
WITT, RAY HARRY; founder of CMI International, Inc.; died at the age of 82 on February 6, 2011 in West Bloomfield with his family at his side. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Mr. Witt moved to Michigan as a teenager and was a graduate of the Muskegon Junior College. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Metallurgy from Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland, Ohio, now known as Case Western Reserve. He was a recipient of one of the first Foundry Educational Foundation Scholarships. Through the years, Mr. Witt continued his active association with both Case and the Foundry Educational Foundation and, in May 1984, he was presented with an Honorary Doctorate degree from Case Western Reserve for his contributions to and advancement of metallurgical and foundry education and programs. The schools Metallurgical Modeling and Research Laboratory is named after him. Mr. Witt began his career in 1947 as an apprentice at the C.W.C. Foundry. In 1952, he became Sales Manager for Cadillac Malleable Iron Company where he remained until 1957, when he established his own company, Ray H. Witt Industries. He later purchased his former employer. In 1960, Mr. Witt founded Cast Metal Industries Inc., which Ray H. Witt Industries was merged into in 1974. In 1983, the corporate name was changed to CMI International Inc., in order to better reflect the more diverse and global activities of the company. CMI became one of the largest independent suppliers of machined and assembled, cast and molded products to the automotive and light truck industries, with operations in many states, Mexico and Norway. It was a leader in its industry, known for its investment in technology that utilized the most advanced computer–aided design and engineering and manufacturing hardware and software. In 1999, CMI was sold to Hayes Lemmerz International Inc. Ray Witt was the past President of the American Foundrymen's Society (AFS), the Ductile Iron Society, the Foundry Education Foundation (FEF) and the Iron Casting Society. He received a Gold Medal Award from AFS in 2003. "Ray was considered one of the giants of our industry," commented John Jorstad, an AFS Director and former CMI consultant. "He was dearly loved by those who had the honor to work for and with him." Mr. Witt was named Michigan Master Entrepreneur of the Year in 1997 and in 1999 Worcester Polytechnic Institute renamed their Aluminum Casting Research Laboratory the ACRL – Ray H. Witt Metalcasting Center. Mr. Witt is survived by his three daughters, Susy Petros, Judy Witt, and Mary (David) Hawkins; five grandsons and two great-grandsons. A Memorial Service celebrating his life and achievements will be held at a later date. Donations in his memory can be made to the Foundry Education Foundation (www.fefinc.org).
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I had great pleasure working for Ray as a Customer Quality Representative for 20 years. Ray was one to admire we became friends over the years. Ray was a man of valour, and my heart felt prayers go out to the Witt family. I will truly miss Ray and working for Ray were the best years of my life. Rest in peace.
Darren Jackson, Sr.
July 08, 2011 | Detroit, MI
My deepest sympathy goes out to Susy and her family. I know how much she loved her father. He was a kind and friendly person and will be greatly missed by his family.
Xenia Melnik
March 02, 2011 | Detroit, MI
As CEO of the Case Alumni Association, I send our deepest condolences to the family of Ray Witt, Case Institute of Technology Class of 1951. His lab and endowment fund will keep his memory alive to future students in the department of Materials Science and Engineering at Case Western Reserve University. Roger H. Cerne, CEO
February 21, 2011
AS CEO of the Case Alumni Association
February 18, 2011
I had the pleasure to work for Ray in the last few years of his life but in those few years I learned so much of the man who made great changes to the auto industry along with changes to peoples lives . Ray was a leader to the very end . A man I looked up to then and always will . No more words can explain . I will just send again my condolences to the family . Miss you my friend !
Denis Potvin
February 13, 2011 | Waterford, MI
I met Ray at CMI Health and Tennis Club. Ray always made time to exercise and that inspired me as a new college graduate. Twenty some years later I still make time to workout everyday. Ray was a good man, his example one to remember and admire. My condolences to his family and friends.
David Lewandowski
February 13, 2011 | Warren, MI
Condolenscences to the family of Ray Witt. I am sorry to hear of the loss. He was a great man, always with a smile; and he was good to my kids and family everytime I used to go to CMI. We will miss him.
Glyke Zguris
February 13, 2011 | Troy, MI
