History
1911
Skinner Manufacturing Company, also known as Skinner Macaroni Company, was founded on May 1, 1911, by brothers Lloyd M. and Paul F. Skinner. The original manufacturing plant on 11th & Jackson Streets was located in the heart of the historic Rail and Commerce District in Omaha, Nebraska.
1913
As business expanded, the plant was moved to a building on Howard Street, between 13th and 14th. Soon afterwards, the company began work on a larger plant on the corner of 14th and Jackson Streets.
1914
During the World War I years, Skinner Macaroni Company operated the largest macaroni factory in America. Committed to conserving wheat during the war, the company developed a new product called Kornroni, which was an economical macaroni product made from corn and wheat. During this time, the Skinner Baking Company was growing into one of the finest bakeries in the Midwest, making a complete line of breads, cakes, pies, ice cream and ices.
1917
Due to a diversification initiative, Skinner Macaroni acquired a bakery organization and became The Skinner Company. Later, in 1917, the company further diversified and formed The Skinner Packing Company.
1919
Following World War I, the Skinner Packing Company was the most thoroughly equipped and modern packing plant in the world. The company’s commitment to innovation led to its patented process for malt curing hams and bacon.
1920
Throughout the 1920’s, Skinner Macaroni Company continued to demonstrate its originality, innovation and marketing knowledge. The company developed a revolutionary product called Quick-Ade, a forerunner of powdered drink mixes such as Kool Aid®. Skinner also introduced two breakfast cereals to the nation, Raisin Bran and Raisin Wheat, as well as Cheesroni, one of the first macaroni and cheese products.
1961
Skinner built a new, fully automated plant located at 68th and "F" Streets in Omaha, Nebraska. At the time, Skinner’s new plant was one of the most modern and efficient macaroni operations in the world.
1963
Skinner sold its two cereal products, Raisin Bran and Raisin Wheat, to the Uncle Sam Breakfast Food Company, which later became U.S. Mills.
1965
Skinner purchased the Gold Medal Macaroni business from The Kellogg Company.
1968
Skinner entered the frozen foods market by working with a contract supplier to produce a new product, frozen egg noodles. The company also entered the fast-growing California market with its purchase of Roma Macaroni Company, located in the San Francisco bay region.
1969
The Skinner plant was afforded national recognition when the industry association selected the site as the only macaroni plant to be toured during a "Spaghetti Safari." The Safari was arranged for food editors from the nation’s leading women’s magazines to demonstrate how durum wheat is grown, milled and manufactured into macaroni products.
1979
On January 3, 1979, Skinner Macaroni was acquired by Hershey Foods Corporation. At that time, Skinner Macaroni Company was the sixth largest pasta producer in the United States and marketed its products in 32 states. |
|
 |
|