Bemis Manufacturing Company, a leading toilet seat manufacturer headquartered in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, is celebrating its 120th anniversary and the fourth generation of family leadership.
The company was founded in 1901 as a manufacturer of children’s wooden wagons, then fibre furniture. In the midst of the Great Depression, company president Albert Bemis knew if the business were to survive, the product line needed to change. So, in 1932 he leveraged the skills of his woodworking employees to begin manufacturing wooden toilet seats. Ten years later, when World War II demanded brass for materiel needs, Albert again pivoted, switching from brass hinges for his toilet seats to plastic, a new, more cost-effective material. Bemis became the first manufacturer to introduce plastic toilet hinges in the history of the plumbing industry. Subsequent generations grew the company into one of North America’s top non-automotive producers of contract plastic injection-molded components.
Now, the fourth generation is assuming leadership roles in the company, evidenced by Vesla Bemis Hoeschen, who was recently elected chairperson of the board and is also the first female chair in company history. She credits the company’s longevity to its innovative spirit, reinforced by the strong leadership of previous generations. “This takes good governance, years of planning and intentional stride toward transition,” she said. “This milestone also represents our commitment to remaining a family-owned business.”
The Sheboygan Falls plant, where the majority of Bemis’s toilet seats are manufactured, is home to approximately 1,600 employees. Globally, Bemis employs approximately 2,000 people in manufacturing centers across the world. Under the Bemis brand, the company distributes through global retail and wholesale channels.
Innovation for Everyday Life
In 2020, Bemis refocused on building the Bemis brand, along with expanding its digital presence, needed to keep pace with the sophisticated wholesale market. This provides customers with both a trusted source of information and quality bathroom products that meet their needs at all stages of their lives, from built-in potty seats that fit the entire family to seats with features that drive innovation and improve their customers’ bathroom experience. These are found on seats for trade contract, and mechanical professionals, designed with features like the STA-TITE® Commercial Fastening System™, featuring specially designed nuts that, once installed, will never loosen, eliminating callbacks and ensuring a secure place to sit. Precision Seat Fit™ has front-to-back adjustability for a seamless fit, while wholesale seats with DuraGuard® antimicrobial provide peace of mind.
Valued Industry Relationships
Bemis has built strong relationships with its manufacturer rep agencies across the United States and Canada that offer the Bemis line of products. The reps are valued ambassadors, sharing product attributes and positive brand messages with their customers. “Corbett, Wingard and Ray has been representing Bemis since 1941,” said Mike Ray, owner. “Because Bemis is family-owned and -operated, it has created an environment where the reps feel like part of the family. It’s always been a great line for us—very easy to sell because of the innovation, product quality and service, which is a huge benefit for a rep agency.”
Memberships in national groups provide invaluable connections for Bemis—the company belongs to the American Society of Plumbing Engineers, the American Supply Association, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors and Women in Industry; it also supports buying groups like IMARK Plumbing/Luxury Products Group (LPG).
“Being an active member of these organizations ensures that we remain well-connected with our reps, customers and trade professionals,” said Stephanie Ewing, director, wholesale NA. “Being part of the IMARK and LPG buying groups provides benefits beyond measure.”
A Future of Exciting Growth
In January 2021, Bemis announced that it had acquired Bio Bidet, a pioneer in smart toilets, bidet toilet seats and accessories. Bidet sales in the United States have more than tripled since 2019, and customers have expressed interest in integrating bidet technology into their bathrooms. Offering these innovative products from a trusted brand allows Bemis’s wholesale partners to respond to this growing trend.
Jeff Lonigro, president and CEO, said Bio Bidet’s innovative products push the boundaries of bidet and smart toilet seats, enhancing customers’ hygiene, sustainability and wellness.
Since 1901, Bemis has been designing products that provide value to its customers—from children’s wooden wagons to stylish fibre furniture to toilet seats with innovative features and smart technology, Bemis Manufacturing Company will continue responding to customer needs by manufacturing products that improve their everyday lives.
For more information, visit bemismfg.com.
Bemis Manufacturing Company designs toilet seats for trade contract and mechanical professionals with features like the STATITE® Commercial Fastening System™. These seats have specially designed nuts that, once installed, will never loosen, eliminating callbacks and ensuring a secure place to sit.
In January 2021, Bemis announced that it acquired Bio Bidet, a pioneer in smart toilets, bidet toilet seats and accessories. Bidet sales in the United States have more than tripled since 2019, and customers have expressed interest in integrating bidet technology into their bathrooms.