1917
The name of the company is changed to Sweets Company of America. Sweets
Company of America begins to advertise nationally.
1922
Sweets Company of America is registered with the
New York Stock Exchange.
1931
The Tootsie Pop, consisting of hard candy on the outside and chocolaty, chewy
Tootsie Roll on the inside, is invented.
1938
As the country emerged from the Depression, sales continued to grow. The company
moves from its 35,000 square-foot space in New York City to a 120,000
square-foot plant in Hoboken, New Jersey. The installation of conveyor belt systems
marks the appearance of mass production techniques.
1941
A 50,000 square-foot addition is built onto the factory.
1942
The candy is included in World War II rations and becomes highly valued by the
armed forces for its ability to withstand severe weather conditions and give
troops "quick energy."
1945
With raw materials released in greater quantities, production increases and
quickly surpasses pre-war levels.
1948
William B. Rubin becomes President of the Sweets Company of America.
1950
In the early years of television, the company sponsors popular children's shows
including Howdy Doody, Rin Tin Tin and Rocky & Bullwinkle.
1962
Melvin J. Gordon becomes Chairman of the company.
1966
The company's name is changed to Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.
Tootsie Roll opens a Midwest facility in the Ford City Industrial Park on
Chicago's southwest side.
1968
Tootsie Roll expands operations to include the Philippines and other areas of
the Far East.
1969
Tootsie Roll expands operations into Mexico.
1970
Tootsie Roll expands operations to include Canada.
1972
In June, the company acquires the Mason Division of Candy Corporation of
America. The acquisition adds two famous candy names -- Mason Dots and
Crows -- to the Tootsie Roll family.
1978
Ellen Gordon is named President of Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. At this time,
she is the second woman to be elected president of a company listed on the
New York Stock Exchange.
1985
Tootsie Roll acquires Cellas' Confections, Inc., a chocolate covered cherry
manufacturer operating in New York City, since 1864.
1988
Tootsie Roll acquires the Charms Company. Combined production of the
Tootsie Pop, Blow Pops, and Charms line of lollipops makes
Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. the world's largest lollipop producer.
1993
The company acquires the caramel and chocolate brands of Warner-Lambert Company,
which includes Junior Mints, Sugar Daddy,
Sugar Babies and
Charleston Chew.
1996
Tootsie Roll celebrates its 100th anniversary.
1999
Junior Mints celebrates its 50th anniversary.
2000
Tootsie Roll acquires O'TEC Industries and begins to manufacture Fluffy Stuff
Cotton Candy.
Tootsie Roll acquires Andes Candies. The Andes brand includes the Andes Créme
de Menthe Thins, Cherry Jubilee Thins and Toffee Crunch Thins as well as a line
of Mint Patties.
2002
Tootsie Roll celebrates is 100th anniversary of being listed on the
New York Stock Exchange.
2003
Company production reaches more than 60 million Tootsie Rolls and 20 million
Tootsie Pops each day.
2004
In August 2004, Tootsie Roll Industries acquires Concord Confections of Toronto,
Canada, a market leader in the bubble gum category, known for exceptional
quality. Concord Confections' products are sold primarily under the
Dubble
Bubble brand that was introduced in 1928 and are known throughout the world.
Other Concord products include Razzles, Cry Baby and
Nik-L-Nip.
Sources