Spangler Candy Company

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Spangler Candy Company
FormerlySpangler Manufacturing Company (1906–1920)
Company typePrivate
Industry Confectionery
FoundedAugust 20, 1906;118 years ago (1906-08-20) (as Spangler Manufacturing Company)
FounderArthur G. Spangler
Headquarters400 N Portland St. Bryan, Ohio, U.S. 43506
Key people
Kirk Vashaw (Chairman & CEO)
Products Candy
Number of employees
650
Website spanglercandycompany.com

The Spangler Candy Company is a privately owned confectioner that has been manufacturing and marketing candy for more than a century. Headquartered in Bryan, Ohio, Spangler's products include lollipops, [1] candy canes, and marshmallow circus peanuts. Spangler brand names include Dum-Dums, Bit-O-Honey, Necco Wafers, Sweetheart Candies, Spangler Candy Canes, Spangler Circus Peanuts and Canada Mints. Dum-Dums, the company's most recognized brand, were invented in 1924, and Spangler purchased the rights and equipment in 1953. The small multicolor lollipops are popular as free giveaways. In 2018, Spangler bought various assets and brands from the defunct Necco, retaining the rights to Necco Wafers, Sweethearts conversation hearts, and Canada Mints. In 2020, Spangler bought the rights to Bit-O-Honey from Pearson Candy Company.

Contents

Spangler is the second largest employer in Bryan, Ohio. Spangler gives Bryan its identity as the "Dum-Dums Capital of the World" and the largest manufacturer of candy canes in the country. The company produces approximately 45% of the candy canes sold in the United States and produces over 12 million Dum-Dums per day.

History

Spangler Candy Company was established August 20, 1906 when Arthur G. Spangler purchased the Gold Leaf Baking Powder Company of Defiance, Ohio, for $450 and moved it to 204 W. High Street in Bryan, Ohio. The new company was named Spangler Manufacturing Company and produced baking soda, baking powder, corn starch, laundry starch, spices, and flavorings. [2]

In 1908, Ernest Spangler joined the company and suggested adding candy to the product line. In 1911, the Spangler Cocoanut Ball became the first candy manufactured by Spangler. In 1913, the business moved to its present location on North Portland Street in Bryan, Ohio. In 1914 Omar Spangler joined the company, bringing mechanical & bookkeeping knowledge. In those early years, Spangler manufactured: Creme Peanut Clusters, Cocoanut Balls, Bryan Drops, hand-dipped chocolates, chocolate bars, ice cream cones, soda pop, and cough drops.

Extended timeline:

Toledo location in 1962. Block Card 28 St. Clair Street - DPLA - 9e7a229b8dc816c7fe7911c533dc3aa3.jpg
Toledo location in 1962.

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References

  1. Plunkett, J.W.; Plunkett Research, Ltd (2008). Plunketts Food Industry Almanac 2008: The Only Comprehensive Guide to Food Companies and Trends. Plunkett's Food Industry Almanac. Plunketts Research. p. 503. ISBN   978-1-59392-106-4.
  2. "Who We Are / #History". spanglercandycompany.com.
  3. "History of Spangler Candy Company – FundingUniverse". www.fundinguniverse.com.
  4. Ltd, Plunkett Research (2008). Plunkett's Food Industry Almanac 2008: Food Industry Market Research, Statistics, Trends & Leading Companies. Plunkett Research, Ltd. ISBN   978-1-59392-106-4.
  5. "Spangler Candy acquires Bit-O-Honey Brand" (Press release). Spangler Candy. November 20, 2020. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  6. "Spangler acquires Bit-O-Honey brand". Candyindustry.com. November 24, 2020.