40 Facts About Wilton Industries, Inc.

Wilton Industries: A Legacy of Sweet Beginnings

Wilton Industries, now known as Wilton Brands, has a rich history that spans over nine decades. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global leader in bakeware and cake decorating, Wilton has consistently innovated and adapted to meet the changing needs of its customers.

1. Founding Year: Wilton Enterprises was founded in 1929 by Dewey McKinley Wilton in Woodridge, Illinois.
2. Initial Business: Dewey McKinley Wilton started his career in 1912 as a candymaker. He eventually became an expert in the field and traveled internationally to teach confectionery techniques.
3. Wilton School of Cake Decorating: In the 1920s and 1930s, Dewey McKinley Wilton founded the Wilton School of Cake Decorating. He traveled across the country to teach chefs, caterers, and bakers new confectionery and decorating techniques.
4. The Wilton Method: Over the years, Dewey McKinley Wilton developed his own technique, known as the Wilton Method. This method combined the best of European artistry with an American desire for excellence and simplicity.

Growth and Expansion

Wilton's journey from a small family business to a global brand involved significant milestones and expansions.

5. Expansion and Growth: By the 1940s, the Wilton family had opened the Wilton School of Cake Decorating in their home. The school quickly gained popularity, and by 1948, it had moved to a facility in Chicago.
6. GI Bill of Rights: The Wilton School honored the GI Bill of Rights by teaching many World War II veterans cake decorating and candy making. This initiative helped many veterans start their own shops.
7. Family Involvement: The Wilton family was deeply involved in the school. Norman Wilton, Dewey’s son, played a significant role in expanding the school and teaching new techniques.
8. Product Catalog: In the 1950s, Wilton Enterprises launched its initial product catalog, offering cake decorating tools to the masses for the first time. Buttercream became the favored decorating medium, replacing jams, fruits, and cardboard cutouts.

Educational Commitment

Wilton's dedication to education has been a cornerstone of its success, helping countless individuals master the art of cake decorating.

9. Shopping Malls: The 1970s saw the rise of shopping malls in American life. Wilton started offering demonstrations in kiosks, which led to classes being taught in retail stores across the country.
10. Educational Marketing: Wilton has a strong commitment to education. The company offers classes and publications that have helped hundreds of thousands of people around the world create impressive party desserts.
11. Global Reach: Today, Wilton products are used in over 100 countries, making it a global leader in cake decorating and bakeware.
12. Parent Company: Wilton Brands is part of Dr. August Oetker KG, a family-owned, multi-national company with over 125 years of history.

Business and Operations

Wilton Brands operates with a significant workforce and a wide range of products, ensuring its presence in various markets.

13. Revenue: The annual revenue of Wilton Brands is $750 million.
14. Employees: The company employs 583 people, with its headquarters in Naperville, Illinois.
15. Address: The address of Wilton Brands is 535 E. Diehl Road Suite 300, Naperville, Illinois 60563, US.
16. Phone Number: The phone number for Wilton Brands is (800) 794-5866.
17. Technologies Used: Wilton Brands uses various technologies including JavaScript, HTML, and PHP.
18. Industry Classification: The company operates in the consumer goods, flowers, gifts, and specialty stores, food crafting, retail, bakeware, paper crafting, and patterns industries.
19. Competitors: Wilton Brands competes with companies like Bradshaw Home, Home Products International – North America, Inc., Lifetime Brands, Nordic Ware, and Signature Brands, LLC.
20. SIC Codes: The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes for Wilton Brands are 53 and 533.
21. NAICS Codes: The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes for Wilton Brands are 455, 452, 4529, 45, and 45299.
22. CEO: Sue Buchta is the CEO of Wilton Brands.
23. Employee Count: As of 2024, there are 578 employees at Wilton Brands.

Diverse Product Line

Wilton's extensive product line caters to a wide range of baking and decorating needs, from beginners to professionals.

24. Product Line: Wilton Enterprises offers a comprehensive selection of baking, cake decorating, candy making, cookie making, wedding, baby, party, seasonal, kitchen, and hydration products.
25. Brands Under Wilton: The company operates several well-recognized brands including Performance Pans™, Candy Melts® brand confectionery coating, Cupcakes ´N More® dessert stands, and Copco® Housewares.
26. Copco Brand: Copco is the premier designer and marketer of tea kettles and quality kitchenware. It has a history spanning almost 50 years and offers thermal mugs, hydration, kitchen storage, and organization products.
27. EK Success Brands: This division includes several well-recognized businesses and brands such as Jolee’s®, Jolee’s Boutique®, Jolee’s Jewels®, ZIG® Memory System®, Sticko®, Paper Shapers®, HERMA®, and Cutter Bee®. The company is a creative consumer products division with the leading position in the $3 billion scrapbooking market.
28. Dimensions Holdings LLC: This company is a leading designer, producer, and distributor of premium quality craft and hobby products for adults and children. It has developed leading brands including Dimensions® (needlecraft), Paintworks™ (paint-by-number), Perler Beads® (kids’ activity beading), and Inkadinkado® (rubber stamping).

Educational Impact

Wilton's educational programs have made a significant impact on the baking and decorating community, fostering creativity and skill development.

29. Wilton School of Cake Decorating: The Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionery Art still educates 1,400 students a year from 88 countries and all 50 states. It has been celebrating its 80th year in 2009, educating hundreds of thousands of people around the world in the art of cake decorating.
30. Educational Marketing: Educational Marketing with Wilton has almost 4,000 teachers across the US who taught 262,000 people the art of cake decorating in 2008.
31. Celebrations and Occasions: Wilton products are designed to make any celebration more exciting. From cake decorating to wedding and baby products, Wilton helps consumers create memorable moments.
32. Product Innovation: The company has a demonstrated history of successful product innovation, having won over 40 design and reader’s choice awards since 2002.
33. Martha Stewart Crafts Line: In May 2007, Wilton launched the Martha Stewart Crafts line, further solidifying its position in the craft industry.
34. K&Company Brand: The K&Company brand under EK Success provides unique products and coordinating lines carefully designed for lasting appeal. It includes albums, tag books, embossed stickers, metal arts, distinctive papers, and three-dimensional Grand Adhesions.

Community and Customer Engagement

Wilton's commitment to community engagement and customer service has helped build a loyal customer base.

35. Cross-Cultural Influence: The company’s products reflect a blend of European traditions and American innovation, making it a global leader in its field.
36. Community Engagement: Wilton engages with its community through various initiatives, including educational programs and product demonstrations in retail stores.
37. Customer Service: Wilton is known for its exceptional customer service, ensuring that consumers have a positive experience with their products.
38. Product Variety: The company offers a wide range of products, from basic bakeware to specialized cake decorating tools and accessories, catering to both beginners and professionals.
39. Marketing Strategies: Wilton employs various marketing strategies, including online classes, in-store demonstrations, and social media campaigns to reach a broader audience.
40. Legacy and Impact: Over the years, Wilton has left a lasting impact on the baking and decorating industry. It continues to inspire new generations of bakers and decorators with its innovative products and educational programs.

Wilton's Lasting Legacy

Wilton Industries, Inc., now Wilton Brands, has come a long way since its founding in 1929. From Dewey McKinley Wilton's early days as a candymaker to becoming a global leader in bakeware and cake decorating, Wilton has consistently innovated and adapted. The Wilton School of Cake Decorating has educated countless students, while the company's product catalog has made professional tools accessible to everyone. With a presence in over 100 countries and a commitment to education, Wilton continues to inspire bakers and decorators worldwide. Under the umbrella of Dr. August Oetker KG, Wilton remains dedicated to making celebrations more exciting and memorable. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, Wilton's wide range of products and educational programs ensure that anyone can create impressive party desserts. Wilton's legacy in the baking and decorating industry is undeniable, and its future looks just as promising.