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Oneida Limited

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Oneida Limited
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryConsumer and foodservice
FoundedOneida, New York
(1880; 144 years ago (1880))
FounderJohn Humphrey Noyes
Headquarters
Sherrill, New York
,
U.S.
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsTableware, cutlery
OwnerLenox Corporation
SubsidiariesOneida Canada Limited
Oneida U.K. Limited
Oneida S.A. de C.V.
Kenwood Silver Company, Inc.
Buffalo China, Inc.
Sakura, Inc.
Viners of Sheffield Limited
Delco International Ltd.
ABCO International
Oneida Australia PTY Ltd.
THC Systems, Inc.
Rego China
Websitewww.oneida.com

Oneida Limited (/oʊˈnaɪdə/) is an American manufacturer and seller of tableware and cutlery. Oneida is one of the world's largest designers and sellers of stainless steel and silverplated cutlery and tableware for the consumer and foodservice industries. It is also the largest supplier of dinnerware to the foodservice industry in North America.[1] The company operates in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, marketing and distributing tabletop products, which include flatware, dinnerware, crystal stemware, glassware and kitchen tools and gadgets. The factory in upstate NY was sold to Liberty Tabletop, who is the sole manufacturer of US made flatware.[2] The company originated in the late-nineteenth century in the Oneida Community in Oneida, New York.[3]

History

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Origins

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The company arose out of the Oneida Community, which was established in Oneida, New York, in 1848.[4] The Oneida Association (later Oneida Community) was founded by a small group of Christian Perfectionists led by John Humphrey Noyes, Jonathan Burt, George W. Cragin, Harriet A.Noyes, George W. Noyes, John L. Skinner and a few others.[5] In 1880, after more than 30 years operating as a commune, the Oneida Community voted to transfer much of the common property to a joint-stock company to be known as Oneida Community Ltd. effective January 1, 1881.[6]

Oneida Community Ltd. was one of the earliest joint-stock companies in the United States. Its founders' religious philosophy helped inform the early development of the company, in which members of the former Oneida Community became shareholders in the company. Its progressive nature also allowed for a woman, Harriet Joselyn, to sit on the board of directors — a departure from the norm for the time.[7]

Oneida Community started production of silver-plated flatware and hollow-ware in 1899 using the "Community Plate" mark. The Oneida Community purchased the Wm A. Rogers company in 1881. In 1929, the merged company began producing a somewhat lower-quality line of products using those companies’ marks. In 1935, Oneida Community changed its name to Oneida Ltd.[8]

Post-war growth

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Oneida Limited successfully adapted to the difficult economic conditions of the First World War and Second World War. Throughout both of these world economic upheavals, Oneida adapted its manufacturing capabilities. During the First World War, it produced ammunition clips, lead-plated gas shells, combat knives, and surgical instruments; during World War II, the company added army trucks, aircraft survival kits, and even jet engine parts to its manufacturing repertoire.[7]

Oneida made many goods for the war.

The company then managed an innovative transition to the manufacture of stainless steel flatware in 1961, which eventually dwarfed its production of silver-plated flatware.[9] In 1976, Oneida purchased the Camden Wire Co., Inc., a major manufacturer of industrial wire products.

By the 1980s, Oneida made at least half of all flatware purchased in the United States.[7] In 1983, the company acquired Rena-Ware, a Bellevue-based kitchenware manufacturer with a majority international operations. Oneida sold Rena-ware three years later.[10] In 1984, it acquired D.J. Tableware, a flatware and china manufacturer that targeted the foodservice industry.

Modern era

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At the end of the 1990s, the company encountered tough economic times, however it still tried to hold on to its mantle as the last remaining U.S.-based manufacturer of flatware, knives, forks, and spoons. The events surrounding 9/11 negatively affected the hospitality and consumer tableware markets, and in November 2003, Oneida sold its 100-year-old Buffalo China plant and four overseas factories in Mexico, China, and Italy.[11] In February 2004, it sold off more assets to BC Acquisition Co. LLC for $5.5 million.[12] Eventually, the manufacturing facilities in Sherrill, New York were sold to Sherrill Manufacturing on March 22, 2005.[13]

In 1996, Oneida Limited acquired THC Systems, Inc., including its team of professionals, which operated under the name Rego China.[14]

Oneida Limited transitioned from its manufacturing history and focused on design and marketing of its products that are globally sourced. Sales, marketing, advertising, procurement, customer service, legal and operational support is also still based in Oneida, New York. The company was taken private in 2006. Oneida no longer operates manufacturing in the United States.[7]

Partly as a consequence of the economic blowback from 9/11, Oneida Limited's sales fell more than $157 million.[15] In 2006, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. After stabilizing financially and reducing its debt load, the company was purchased by a group of hedge funds led by Monarch Alternative Capital.[15]

Oneida announced at the beginning of 2009 they were transitioning away from company-owned outlet stores due to poor financial results but retaining the original outlet store in Sherrill, New York.[16][17] In September 2010, Oneida launched a new website, Oneida.com.

In November 2011, Oneida Limited was acquired by Monomoy Capital Partners, a mid-sized New York City equity fund.[18][19] In 2012, Monomoy merged Oneida with Anchor Hocking and created EveryWare Global.[20] In January 2014, EveryWare Global announced its plans to close its regional office and the Oneida outlet store, both in Sherrill, NY, with the process starting in April.[21] The original Oneida outlet store in Sherrill, New York, was closed April 26, 2014.[22] EveryWare Global filed for bankruptcy in 2015.[23] EveryWare Global was renamed The Oneida Group in 2017.[24]

In January 2019, The Oneida Group sold the majority of its foodservice business (excluding Anchor Hocking glassware) to Crown Brands, LLC.[25] Subsequently, in January 2020, Crown Brands renamed itself to Oneida Hospitality Group.[26]

In June 2021, Oneida Consumer LLC, including the Oneida brand, was acquired by competitor Lenox Corporation.[27] On July 13, 2021, The Oneida Group was renamed to Anchor Hocking Holdings, Inc.[28]

Operations

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Manufacturing

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Oneida has had a variety of manufacturing facilities and capabilities throughout its existence. In addition to tableware, the company started out by manufacturing silk, traps, and chains. It gradually ceased these enterprises as they became less profitable for the company. In 1916, Oneida opened its first international factory in Niagara Falls, Ontario.[7]

Oneida was a major WW2 manufacturer.

During World War II, Oneida purchased a factory in Canastota, New York, to manufacture army trucks, aircraft survival kits, and jet engine parts.[7]

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Oneida's workforce grew from 2,000 to 3,000 workers, and it transitioned into manufacturing stainless steel flatware. Starting in 1977, and continuing throughout the 80s and 90s, Oneida acquired orthogonal manufacturing companies making such things as wire, flatware, and china. To compete with international manufacturing, Oneida implemented high-volume manufacturing lines in its factories. It also opened new factories throughout the world: a dinnerware factory in Juarez, Mexico; flatware factory in Toluca, Mexico; holloware factory in Shanghai, China; holloware factory in Vercelli, Italy.[29] In 2004, it closed those factories.

Since its acquisition by Monomoy Capital Partners, Oneida has manufactured its products across North America, South America, Asia, and Europe by means of 50 manufacturing contracts.[30]

Advertising

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Starting in 1899, Coles Phillips illustrated dozens of ads for the company, which was then known as Oneida Community.[31] Maxfield Parrish, John Whitcomb also illustrated advertisements for the Oneida's products[32]

Oneida also focused on print advertisements in home, fashion, bridal, and epicurean publications. It was also one of the first to employ celebrity spokespeople such as Bob Hope.[15] Oneida inaugurated the practice by employing Irene Castle to promote its wares.

During the 1960s, Deutsch Inc. worked on Oneida's advertising.[33] More recently, Oneida's advertising campaigns have won several Clio Awards.[34]

Brands

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Oneida Limited serves various customer segments by selling different brands of banquetware, flatware, glassware, and tableware. Its foodservice industry brands are Schonwald, Sant'Andrea, Oneida, and Buffalo. Its consumer products include the Oneida, Westminster and Stanley Rogers brands.[7]

Schonwald

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Oneida Limited is the exclusive American marketer and distributor of Schonwald foodservice dinnerware.[35] The line is known for its trendsetting designs, advanced technology, and high quality. Schonwald is the company's 5-star luxury brand of foodservice dinnerware.[36]

Sant'Andrea

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Oneida Limited established the European-based Sant'Andrea brand in 1990. The line focuses on premium stainless steel or traditional silverplate flatware.[37] Oneida, through its Italian subsidiary, Sant'Andrea, S.r.l., acquired Table Top Engineering & Design, S.r.l. in 1998. TTE&D had been the primary manufacturer of its Sant'Andrea line of fine foodservice dinnerware.[38]

Oneida

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Silver plated tea service manufactured by Oneida

Oneida Limited's main line has been available since the company's very beginning. The Oneida line is broken up into three sub-lines: Oneida Flatware, Oneida Holloware, and Oneida Dinnerware.[39] The Oneida line of flatware and dinnerware is used by fine dining establishments, family restaurants, and hotels.

Buffalo

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In 1983, Oneida Limited purchased Buffalo China, Inc., at the time one of the country's largest makers of commercial chinaware.[7] After Oneida's 2004 series of factory closings and sales, Buffalo China ceased manufacturing, but Oneida retained the Buffalo China trademark and logos; it also retained the Buffalo China warehouse in Buffalo, New York.[29] The Buffalo Collection is Oneida's casual line of dinnerware, focusing on durability, practicality, and detail.

References

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  1. ^ "Monomoy Capital Partners Acquires Oneida Ltd".
  2. ^ "Oneida - Finest Quality Since 1880". www.oneida.com. Retrieved June 6, 2018.
  3. ^ c.f. Oneida Circular, Oneida: Oneida Community, 1873. p. 193.
  4. ^ C. N. Robertson, Oneida Community: An autobiography, 1851-1876. Syracuse: University Press, 1970. pp. 14-23.
  5. ^ C. N. Robertson,Oneida Community, an autobiography. pp. 10-15.
  6. ^ C.N. Robertson, Oneida Community, the breakup, 1876-1881. Syracuse: University Press, 1972. pp. 301-311.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h "The Oneida Story". Oneida Limited. Archived from the original on February 12, 2014. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
  8. ^ "First 100 Years: 1848 - 1948". library.syr.edu. Retrieved June 6, 2018.
  9. ^ "Oneida Flatware and more - Oneida History at Replacements Ltd. | Replacements, Ltd". www.replacements.com.
  10. ^ "Unigard will expand Bellevue office park". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved June 6, 2018.
  11. ^ ""Oneida Ltd. To Close Five Plants"".
  12. ^ "Oneida Ltd. Finds Buyer For Buffalo China's Assets"
  13. ^ Mariani, John (September 1, 2011). "Sherrill Manufacturing resumes flatware production with boost from Internet retailer". syracuse.
  14. ^ "Oneida Ltd. Acquires China Importing Firm"
  15. ^ a b c Roose, Kevin (January 6, 2012). "Private Equity Firm Sees a Future in Flatware". DealBook.
  16. ^ "Oneida Ltd. closing outlet stores"
  17. ^ "Company Store". September 28, 2010. Archived from the original on September 28, 2010.
  18. ^ Charles McChesney, The Post-Standard (November 3, 2011). "Oneida Ltd. president sees bright future under new buyer". syracuse.
  19. ^ "Monomoy Capital Partners | Middle Market Private Equity Firm". Monomoy Capital Partners.
  20. ^ Witkowsky, Chris (April 7, 2015). "Monomoy-backed EveryWare Global to file for bankruptcy". PE Hub Network. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  21. ^ Moriarty, Rick (January 28, 2014). "Last piece of Oneida Ltd. leaving Sherrill". Syracuse Media Group. Archived from the original on February 22, 2016. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  22. ^ "News anchor exits NBC after learning she was losing 'Today'". February 2017.
  23. ^ Witkowsky, Chris (April 7, 2015). "Monomoy-backed EveryWare Global to file for bankruptcy". PE Hub. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
  24. ^ "EveryWare Global Changes Corporate Name to The Oneida Group" (Press release). Lancaster, Ohio: EveryWare Global, Inc. Globe Newswire. January 9, 2017. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
  25. ^ "The Oneida Group Sells Foodservice Business to Crown Brands". Columbus, Ohio: Business Wire. January 28, 2019.
  26. ^ "Crown Brands Gets a New Name". Foodservice Equipment Reports. January 20, 2020.
  27. ^ Lenox Corporation (June 3, 2021). "Lenox Corporation, America's Leading Tabletop, Giftware and Home Entertaining Company, Announces Acquisition of Oneida Consumer LLC". PR Newswire.
  28. ^ "A0872555". California Business Search. California Secretary of State. February 15, 2022.
  29. ^ a b ""Oneida Completes Sale of Buffalo China Factory; Plant to Operate as Niagara Ceramics Corporation"".
  30. ^ ""Oneida Limited buyout a 'home run'"".
  31. ^ "Coles Phillips". December 26, 2010.
  32. ^ writer, Steve Kern Contributing (August 30, 2010). "Maxfield Parrish has Upstate New York connections". syracuse.com.
  33. ^ "Madboy by Open Road Integrated Media - Ebook". Scribd.
  34. ^ "Chris Collins: beyond trends"
  35. ^ "Oneida/Schonwald renew alliance.(supply line)(distribution and marketing agreements)(Brief Article) - Hotels | HighBeam Research". October 18, 2016. Archived from the original on October 18, 2016.
  36. ^ ""Schonwald Brand Portfolio"". Archived from the original on November 9, 2012. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  37. ^ ""Sant'Andrea Brand Portfolio"". Archived from the original on September 2, 2013. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  38. ^ ""Oneida Subsidiary Acquires TTE&D Company in Italy"". Archived from the original on August 21, 2016. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  39. ^ "Oneida :: Brand Portfolio". May 5, 2012. Archived from the original on May 5, 2012.
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