Newton Manufacturing Company will celebrate its 100th year in business with a week full of events starting on Sept. 20. Representatives from across the country, suppliers, community business leaders, and employees and their families will be on hand through out the week to commemorate this milestone.
“We are looking forward to a full and exciting week with our employees, representatives and other guests,” said Lee Cochran, president of Newton Manufacturing. “It’s a great opportunity to celebrate and showcase our company’s success and longevity.”
Events for the week include several open houses for employee’s families, retirees, sales representatives, suppliers, and the local community. Newton will be hosting a trade show for its representatives featuring over 50 suppliers. At the trade show, Paul Bellantone, Steve Slagle, and Sherri Lennarson from the Promotional Products Association International will speak to Newton representatives.
Newton Manufacturing Company was founded in 1909 by George Newton coincidentally in Newton, Iowa, where the company remains today. The company began as a manufacturer, producing the “Safety Magazine Match Safe” and other promotional items. During World War II, the company produced war support materials including mess kits, work caps, and breech covers. In 1943, after an unfortunate fire to their factory, Newton Manufacturing decided to cease its manufacturing operations and concentrate on becoming a national distribution network.
Today, Newton Manufacturing is considered one of the largest and most successful promotional product distributors in the country. They currently serve over 50,000 customers through their nationwide network of independent sales representatives. Those representatives are supported by over 100 employee-owners at the corporate office.