More than 100 years since its founding, Newell Rubbermaid has grown to become a global marketer of consumer and commercial products with a strong portfolio of brands. The strength of the company has been its ability to keep reinventing itself. Download PDF version of "Our History."
2008
The company continued its acquisition strategy, adding BebeSounds prenatal monitors; Aprica Kassai, a Japanese maker of strollers, car seats and other children's products; and Technical Concepts, a leader in the away-from-home restroom market.
Newell Rubbermaid's new global headquarters building opened in Atlanta in the summer of 2008 – consolidating numerous brands and functions under one roof, enabling greater collaboration and a common culture.
2005-2007
In 2005, Newell Rubbermaid acquired Dymo, a global leader in on-demand labeling solutions. The company expanded its presence in this market with the 2006 purchases of CardScan business card scanners and Mimio interactive whiteboard products along with the 2007 acquisition of postage leader Endicia and its Picture-it-Postage brand.
2005
In 2005, Mark Ketchum was named President and CEO. Under his guidance, the company developed a consumer and brand-focused strategy and portfolio, investing in consumer understanding, innovation and successful product commercialization. The tag line "Brands That Matter™" was added to the company logo to emphasize this change.
2003
The company welcomed the Lenox brand with the purchase of American Saw & Manufacturing Company, a leading manufacturer of linear edge power tool accessories, hand tools and band saw blades for the professional user.
2002
The 2002 acquisition of American Tool Companies added globally recognized Irwin, Vise-Grip and Marathon brands to Newell Rubbermaid's portfolio.
2000
The company created the world's broadest assortment of writing products with the purchase of Gillette's stationery products business, including Paper Mate and Liquid Paper. The acquisition also included the Parker and Waterman brands, the most global of the company's brands to date, positioning Newell Rubbermaid in the luxury writing instruments category.
1999
The company made the most significant acquisition of its history by purchasing Rubbermaid, a leading manufacturer of high-quality and innovative home, commercial, juvenile and infant products, including the Rubbermaid, Graco, and Little Tikes brands. The deal doubled the size of the company and changed its name to Newell Rubbermaid.
1998
Newell's cookware family expanded into the gourmet channel with the acquisition of Calphalon Corporation, marketed primarily to upscale retailers and department stores.
The company also purchased Panex, the number one cookware maker in South America.
1997
Newell strengthened its position in the window treatment market with the acquisition of Kirsch, a leading manufacturer and distributor of drapery hardware and custom window coverings. The company also added Rolodex and Eldon to the Office Products division.
1993
Returning to its roots, Newell purchased Levolor, a leader in the window treatment industry. The company entered the beauty and style category by purchasing Goody hair care accessories, which included Ace men's grooming accessories.
1992
Newell entered the office supplies business with the 1991 acquisition of W.T. Rogers and the 1992 purchase of Sanford, a leading manufacturer and marketer of writing instruments. Sanford's 1998 purchase of Germany-based Rotring further strengthened its presence in Europe.
1987
In 1987, the company acquired Anchor Hocking, a specialty manufacturer of glassware, flatware, cookware and other products. The deal included the purchase of Amerock, a maker of cabinet hardware and window components.
1983
The company entered the cookware market with the purchase of Mirro Corporation, followed by WearEver and Rema in 1988.
1982
Newell acquired propane hand-torch maker Bernzomatic of Medina, N.Y., and then expanded with the acquisitions of SureFire in 1985 and ProTorch in 1995.
1974
The acquisition of EZ Paintr Corporation, the world's largest maker of paint applicators, marked the first significant expansion outside the company's drapery, hardware and sewing business. EZ Paintr was later renamed Shur-Line.
1972
The Newell Company went public in 1972, opening on the NASDAQ at $28 per share. In 1979, Newell moved to the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the NWL symbol.
Dan Ferguson, center, and William Cuthbert, right, watch as the first NWL trade appears on the ticker tape.
1965
Dan Ferguson was named President in 1965. Using his growth-by-acquisition strategy, Newell grew from a small, one-category private company to a powerful hardware and housewares company that catered to large national retail chains with dozens of brands.
Over 70 acquisitions in 30 years!
1962
In 1962, all of the Newell companies were consolidated for the first time into one headquarters building in Freeport, Ill.
1940s
During World War II, Western Newell converted factories to assist with the war effort, earning the prestigious Army/Navy "E" award for excellence in wartime production.
After the war, Western Newell saw immediate success in sales and manufacturing of drapery pin-on hooks, extension rods, sash rods, curtain holdbacks thanks to a deal with Kresge.
1921
In 1921, the company purchased Barnwell Mfg. Co. in Freeport, Ill., renaming it Western Newell Manufacturing Company. Freeport's access to railroad lines made it easier to ship products west. Kresge, the department store chain that later became Kmart, was one of Western Newell's larger accounts.
1912
In 1912, the company hired Ben Cuthbert to grow the struggling Canadian business and build relationships with the Woolworth Company, paving the way for Newell's mass merchandising strategy. As business boomed, the company built a new 15,000-square-foot facility in Ogdensburg, N.Y.
1908
Newell Manufacturing distinguished itself by focusing on technology and production improvements. In 1908, the company boosted profits by investing in machines that produced curtain rods better and faster than any other manufacturer.
1903
The story of Newell started in 1903 in Ogdensburg, NY, when the W.F. Linton Co., a manufacturer of metal curtain rods, defaulted on its loan. Prominent local businessman Edgar A. Newell purchased the company and renamed it the Newell Manufacturing Company.
