Every day, Newell Rubbermaid delights consumers around the globe with brands such as Sharpie®, Paper Mate®, DYMO®, EXPO®, Waterman®, Parker®, Rolodex®, IRWIN®, LENOX®, BernzOmatic®, Rubbermaid®, Graco®, Calphalon® and Goody®. The dedication of 23,500 employees to customer service, innovation and understanding the needs of consumers has enabled Newell Rubbermaid to deliver consistent growth and superior results over a 100+ year history.

1902

Newell Manufacturing Company, Inc., a manufacturer of curtain rods, founded in Ogdensburg, NY.

1916

The F.W. Woolworth chain became the first customer for Newell™’s bronze-plated curtain rods, making them the first Newell products to be distributed nationally. This marked the beginning of the focus on volume purchasers.

1962

The Newell Companies, including Western Newell, Newell Window Furnishings, and Newell Manufacturing, are consolidated into a single corporation headquartered in Freeport, Illinois.

1965

Daniel C. Ferguson named president and develops a growth-by-acquisition strategy based on the intention to build a strong, multi-product company.

1972

Newell goes public.

1973

Acquisition of EZ Paintr Corp., the world's largest maker of paint applicators.

1979

The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange with the ticker symbol NWL.

1982

Acquisition of propane hand-torch maker BernzOmatic of Medina, New York.

1983

Acquisition of the Mirro Corporation, a cookware maker.

1987

In the largest purchase by the company up to that time, Newell acquired the Anchor Hocking Corporation, including Amerock, a manufacturer of cabinet hardware and window components.

1992

Acquisition of Sanford, a leading manufacturer and marketer of writing instruments, including the Sharpie, Sanford and Expo user brands. The same year they acquired Intercraft, a leading picture frame manufacturer.

1993

Acquisition of Levolor, a leading manufacturer and marketer of window treatments. Additionally, they acquired Goody hair care accessories and LeeRowan closet organization products.

1996

Newell became the world's largest manufacturer of picture frames, framed art and photo albums after acquiring Holson Burnes.

1997

Acquisition of Kirsch, a leader in branded drapery hardware and custom window coverings.

1998

Acquisition of Calphalon Corporation, a manufacturer of gourmet cookware marketed primarily to upscale retailers and department stores.

1999

Acquisition of Rubbermaid, a leading manufacturer of high-quality, innovative products, including the Rubbermaid and Graco brands.

2000

Acquisition of Gillette's stationery products business, including the Paper Mate, Parker, Waterman and Liquid Paper user brands.

2002

Acquisition of American Tool Companies, adding the powerful brands of Irwin, Vise-Grip and Quick-Grip to the portfolio.

2003

Acquisition of American Saw & Mfg. Co., a leading manufacturer of linear edge power tool accessories, hand tools and band saw blades marketed under the Lenox brand.

2005

Acquisition of DYMO, a global leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing on-demand labelling solutions, to further strengthen the company's office products portfolio and enter the office technology segment.

2006

Under new leadership, the company embraces a consumer-centric focus--including the addition of "Brands That Matter™" to the corporate logo. Newell Rubbermaid optimized the portfolio with the divestiture of Little Tikes and Home Decor Europe businesses, and announced a major replatforming of the operations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East to leverage the growth opportunities of this important region. Additionally, the company began focusing on three strategic transformations: building consumer-meaningful brands, restructuring the supply base and leveraging "One Newell Rubbermaid."