Max Peter Schlienger, a notable figure in engineering and a pioneer in titanium processing, passed away on May 4, 2024, at the remarkable age of 96. Born on April 12, 1928, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, to Swiss immigrants Max A. and Luggi M. Schlienger, Max Peter lived a life marked by service, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. He was predeceased by his sisters Ruthie and Helen, and his legacy is fondly remembered by his family, friends, and the industries he profoundly impacted.
Early Life and Service
Growing up in Pennsylvania, Max Peter Schlienger demonstrated an early sense of duty and patriotism. As soon as he reached legal age, he enlisted in the Navy, serving at the close of World War II and again during the Korean War. This foundational experience instilled in him discipline and a strong work ethic that would characterize his entire career.
Following his naval service, Max pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from Penn State University. This academic achievement equipped him with the knowledge and skills to embark on a distinguished career in the burgeoning field of titanium.
Pioneering in Titanium: From TMCA to Schlienger Engineering
Max Peter Schlienger’s professional journey began at TMCA (Titanium Metals Corporation of America) in Henderson, Nevada. His move to Henderson not only marked the start of his career in titanium but also revealed his entrepreneurial flair. Recognizing a local need, Max established DoMax TV, the first television shop in Henderson, showcasing his diverse talents beyond engineering.
Henderson also held personal significance as the place where Max met his wife, Joan Miller. Their meeting at Lake Mead, where Joan worked as a lifeguard, is a charming anecdote of their early relationship. Max’s playful attempts to get Joan’s attention by swimming beyond the designated area led to their introduction and the beginning of a lifelong partnership.
The couple relocated to Pittsburgh when Max accepted a position with Universal Cyclops Steel, a company venturing into titanium production. During their time in Pittsburgh, they welcomed three children: Eric, Dana, and Daryl. Shortly after Daryl’s birth, an exciting opportunity arose at Stauffer Chemical Corporation in Richmond, California. Max took on the role of Plant Manager, tasked with developing their titanium processing capabilities. This move brought the Schlienger family to San Rafael, California, where they established their roots.
When Fansteel Corporation acquired Stauffer Chemical’s Titanium Division and consolidated operations in Oklahoma, Max and Joan made a pivotal decision. Opting to remain in California and forge their own path, they founded Schlienger Engineering Company. This marked the inception of Max’s most significant entrepreneurial endeavor, focusing on the design and production of specialized equipment for titanium refining and processing.
Innovation and Resilience at Schlienger Engineering and Retech
Schlienger Engineering quickly became synonymous with innovation. In the early days of titanium applications, Max Peter Schlienger’s ingenuity shone brightly. To navigate the fluctuating demand for titanium processing equipment, he diversified his company’s output, creating and manufacturing a range of products. These included game tables for Bool, a game he invented, instant hot water heaters, automatic shoe shine machines, and even equipment to transform cables from the original Golden Gate Bridge into unique coffee table keepsakes.
Crucially, Max developed and patented groundbreaking equipment for the clean processing and reprocessing of aerospace-grade titanium. Anticipating the boom in titanium demand driven by projects like the SST (Super Sonic Transport, or “Concorde”), his innovations attracted attention, including a hostile patent action from a large multinational corporation. Instead of succumbing to pressure, Max strategically sold majority ownership of Schlienger Engineering to Corning Glass Works, who sought to enter the titanium market. This move effectively resolved the legal challenge and allowed Max to continue his work under a new umbrella.
Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, Max Peter Schlienger decided to return to independent business ownership. He and Joan explored purchasing a winery but ultimately acquired Al Thrasher Equipment Corp in Ukiah, California, rebranding it as Retech. As Retech shifted towards producing sawmill equipment and plate flanges, the landscape of the titanium industry changed dramatically with the Concorde project facing setbacks. This shift led Corning to offer Schlienger Engineering back to Max and Joan on favorable terms. The two companies, Retech and Schlienger Engineering, were consolidated in Ukiah under the Retech name, solidifying the family’s long-term presence in the region.
Recognition and Lasting Impact
Max Peter Schlienger’s contributions to business and industry were widely recognized. In 1995, he received the prestigious honor of National Small Businessperson of the Year, a particularly meaningful accolade as he was nominated by his own employees. The following year, in 1996, Governor Pete Wilson appointed Max to the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, recognizing his commitment to community and responsible industry practices.
Under Max’s guidance, Retech flourished, developing cutting-edge technologies. The talented team at Retech pioneered:
- Single Crystal Casting Furnaces for critical aircraft turbine components.
- Plasma Melting Furnaces for refining titanium and other high-temperature alloys.
- Arc Saws for rapid metal cutting.
- VAR (Vacuum Arc Remelting) furnaces.
- Melt Spinning Furnaces for producing materials for NdFeB magnets.
Throughout his illustrious career, Max Peter Schlienger’s name appeared on an impressive 38 US patents. He was elected an ASM Fellow and honored with the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Titanium Association, solidifying his status as a leader in his field. Further demonstrating his commitment to education, Max served on the Advisory Board of The Leonard Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Education and endowed the Max and Joan Schlienger Graduate Scholarship in Engineering at Pennsylvania State University.
Retirement and Personal Life
In retirement, Max Peter Schlienger enjoyed spending time with family and friends, pursuing his passion for viticulture by growing grapes, and indulging his innovative mind by developing a concept for a modern atmospheric railway system. He remained intellectually curious and engaged until his final days.
Max Peter Schlienger is survived by his children Eric Schlienger, Dana Thelen, and Daryl Henzl, along with 11 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and his sister Helen Seddon Safford. He was predeceased by his sister Ruth Shupe Merwin and his beloved wife Joan. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
The family expresses profound gratitude to Masi Valentine for her compassionate care for both Max and Joan, which allowed them to remain in their cherished home until their passing.
A private memorial is planned to celebrate Max’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Ukiah, in honor of Max Peter Schlienger’s generous and impactful life.
