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Made in California | Hagen-Renaker Inc.

Susan Renaker Nikas manages Hagen-Renaker Inc., established by her parents in 1945. The San Dimas business has thrived and sometimes barely survived making ceramic animal miniatures.

Susan Renaker Nikas manages Hagen-Renaker Inc., established by her parents in 1945. The San Dimas business has thrived and sometimes barely survived making ceramic animal miniatures.   (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

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Since 1945, Hagen-Renaker Inc. of San Dimas has thrived and sometimes barely survived making ceramic animal miniatures. Some creations are so coveted by collectors that one sold for more than $2,500 even though it was broken into seven pieces. But lately these have been hard times for the family business, which is hoping to regain its popularity.

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Susan Renaker Nikas paints a horse figurine at Hagen-Renaker Inc.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

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Dogs are Hagen-Renaker Inc.’s most popular figurines, said Susan Renaker Nikas.   (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

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Master mold maker Daniel de Lapaz works on a figurine at Hagen-Renaker Inc. in San Dimas.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

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Master mold maker Daniel de Lapaz prepares molds at Hagen-Renaker Inc.   (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

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Hagen-Renaker Inc. once operated two factories with 300 employees; now there is only one factory with 18 workers.   (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

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