OXO (kitchen utensils brand) facts for kids
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| Subsidiary | |
| Industry | Consumer products |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Founder | Sam Farber John Farber |
| Headquarters |
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United States
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Area served
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Worldwide |
| Products | Good Grips, Soft Works, Steel, Candela, Touchables |
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Number of employees
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97 (headquarters) 127 (worldwide) |
| Parent | Helen of Troy Limited |
OXO (pronounced OKS-oh) is an American company that makes kitchen tools, office supplies, and other things for your home. It was started in 1990 and is based in New York City. OXO products are made in both the USA and China. They have a special line of non-stick bakeware that is made entirely in the US.
How OXO Started
OXO was created by Sam Farber, who was an entrepreneur (someone who starts businesses), and his son, John Farber.
Sam chose the name "OXO" because it's an ambigram. This means the letters "OXO" look the same whether you read them normally, upside down, or even sideways. It's a clever design!
Sam noticed that his wife, Betsy, had a mild form of arthritis in her hands. This made it hard for her to hold regular kitchen tools. Sam saw this as a chance to create better, more comfortable tools that would help everyone, especially those with hand difficulties.
He worked with a design company called Smart Design. Together, they created the first OXO products. One of these was the Swivel Peeler, which helps you peel fruits and vegetables easily. OXO continued to work with Smart Design for many years.
In 1990, the first 15 OXO Good Grips kitchen tools were shown to the public. This happened at a big event called the Gourmet Products Show in San Francisco, USA. People quickly liked how easy and comfortable these tools were to use.
Who Owns OXO Now
Sam Farber sold OXO to a company called General Housewares Corporation in 1992. Later, in 2000, World Kitchen LLC. bought General Housewares Corporation.
Then, in June 2004, a company named Helen of Troy Limited bought OXO housewares for $273.2 million. Helen of Troy Limited still owns OXO today.
