After the Bicentennial, Schaltenbrand divided his time between teaching, potting, and writing. During the next five years, Phil found time to write Old Pots a history of Western Pennsylvania's stoneware industry. He also published numerous articles on folk pottery for magazines including Country Living, Early American Life, and Ceramics Monthly. In 1980, Schaltenbrand was awarded a distinguished teaching chair by the state of Pennsylvania, being cited as one of the state's outstanding young college professors. In spite of Phil's busy schedule, the pottery business continued to grow. The company was waiting for its big break, which came in early 1983.

In February 1983, Schaltenbrand was approached by the H.J. Heinz Corporation of Pittsburgh to design the company's Christmas gift — a recreation of an 1890's apple butter crock. The contract called for 7,000 pieces, which would eventually be presented to Heinz employees world-wide. With the aid of journeymen potters and part time helpers, Schaltenbrand kept his studio operating seven days a week throughout the summer. Despite difficulties and setbacks, the project was completed ahead of schedule. The Heinz jars are highly prized today and command prices many times their original cost. The 7,000-piece order proved Barnyard Pottery was ready to shed its small pottery image.

In 1984, the business moved to its present location in Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania. The company was also renamed Westerwald Pottery at this time for the renowned district of Germany which produced the world's first salt glazed stoneware. The company now has an attractive showroom, an efficient office, a shipping department, four kilns; and employees who produce the company's ware. In spite of its dramatic growth, the potter still makes every piece by hand and the work has never looked better. Schaltenbrand is frequently in the shop with his craftsmen to guarantee the highest quality for customers. He hopes to see Westerwald Pottery become one of the nation's largest producers of handmade pottery, and he will never forget the firm's humble beginnings.