James O. Welch Company facts for kids
| Industry | Food processing |
|---|---|
| Fate | Acquired by Nabisco |
| Founded | 1927 |
| Defunct | 1963 |
| Headquarters |
,
United States
|
| Products | Confectionery |
| Owner | James O. Welch (1906-1985) |
The James O. Welch Company was a well-known American company that made many popular candies. James O. Welch (1906–1985) started this company in 1927. It was located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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About the James O. Welch Company
The James O. Welch Company became famous for creating several candy brands that are still enjoyed today. These sweet treats were loved by many people across the country.
Popular Candies They Made
The company introduced some very famous candies. You might know some of them!
- Junior Mints
- Sugar Daddys
- Sugar Babies
They also made other delicious candies. These included Welch's Fudge, Welch's Frappé, Pom Poms, and Sugar Mamas.
Changes and New Owners
In 1963, the James O. Welch Company was bought by the National Biscuit Company. This company is now known as Nabisco. After the sale, James O. Welch himself became a director at Nabisco. He served on their board from 1963 until 1978.
His son, James O. Welch Jr. (1931-2019), also played a big role. He became president of Nabisco when it joined Nabisco Brands. Later, he became the CEO and chairman of Nabisco Brands when it became part of RJR Nabisco.
The candy brands created by Welch were sold again in 1988. They went to a company called Warner-Lambert. Then, in 1993, Tootsie Roll Industries bought these popular candy brands. Tootsie Roll Industries still owns them today.
The Welch Family's Other Ventures
James O. Welch had a brother named Robert W. Welch, Jr.. Robert had his own candy company, the Oxford Candy Company. However, it faced difficulties during the Great Depression in the United States.
After his company closed, Robert W. Welch, Jr. joined his brother at the James O. Welch Company. He worked there until 1956. He later used the money he earned from the family candy businesses to start a political group. This group was called the John Birch Society, founded in 1958. It is a group that promotes certain political ideas.
