Our Timeline
Since 1901, Bemis Manufacturing Company has grown from crafting furniture and wooden wagons to leading a global network of businesses—including toilet seats, bidets, Kelch, Health Care, and Contract Molding. Across our many divisions, we continue to drive innovation, craftsmanship, sustainability, and community support, powered by our dedicated employees.
1901
Arthur White incorporates White Wagon Works, the precursor to Bemis Manufacturing Co.
1924
Albert Bemis and George Riddell buy the majority of shares of White Wagon Works
1932
Bemis begins manufacturing toilet seats
1941
Bemis pioneers plastic hinges for toilet seats
1951
Bemis begins experimenting with a new compression molding process for making toilet seats
1950s
Croquet balls, bocce balls, and beer taps are produced in the mid 1950s using the new Bemis Molcor compression molding process
1964
The Model 800 is the first injection-molded toilet seat made at Bemis
1971
Bemis Health Care is established
1975
Bemis introduces red, white and blue bedpans and colonial-designed toilet seats for America's bicentennial
1975
Dick Bemis is named president of company
1983
Bemis acquires the Church® seat brand
1985
Insulated tableware for hospital food service became part of Bemis’ new dietary line with the 1985 acquisition of Gamco
1987
Bemis purchased manufacturing and distribution facilities in Burnley, England
1980s
The ADF plant is built in the late 1980s, marking a significant shift to using robots alongside employees
1990
Bemis switches to water-based sealer on its painted wood toilet seats
1991
DuraGuard® Antimicrobial is introduced in commercial toilet seats
1994
Bemis opens its first facility in Mexico, a sales office in Monterrey
1990s
Bemis offers resin furniture collections
1998
Kelch Corporation, a manufacturer of plastic tanks, caps, gauges, and sensors for fluid-management systems, is acquired
1998
Injection-molding facility in Lenoir, North Carolina is acquired
2000
Bemis introduces Whisper•Close and Easy•Clean features in its toilet seats
2000s
Bemis installs a 6600-ton press, its largest to date
2001
Settlers Park is established on the former Plant A site
2001
Bemis celebrates a century in business
2006
Richard A. Bemis retires as President and CEO; Peter Bemis becomes CEO
2007
The Bemis Bath Shoppe opens in downtown Sheboygan Falls, WI
2008
The NextStep® Built-In Potty Seat™ launches
2009
Recycled materials are used to produce plastic toilet seats
2016
Radiance heated night light seat launches — a proven, dependable product that still delivers.
2016
Bemis expands its global footprint with the acquisition of Dubourgel in France
2018
Bemis Independence product line launches with Clean Shield
2018
All plastic Little 2 Big™ Built-In Potty Seat™ launches
2019
Bemis planted 54 acres of permanent native prairie as part of an environmental project
2020
Bio Bidet LLC in Crystal Lake, IL, is acquired and becomes Bio Bidet by Bemis
2024
Bemis is awarded The Home Depot Partner of the Year award
2024
Bemis published its first ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) report
2025
Bemis wood seats receive GreenCircle recycled content certification
2025
Universal Fit™, a seat that fits both round and elongated toilets, is launched
2025
Bemis is awarded The Home Depot Canada Environmental Partner of the Year
Present
For 125 years, Bemis and its 2,000+ employees worldwide have been committed to supporting communities, advancing sustainability, and innovating products that improve everyday life.