SPRINGFIELD, OHIO, U.S.  — Sweet Manufacturing Company recently celebrated its 60th anniversary of manufacturing bulk material handling equipment.

Sweet was founded on Nov. 1, 1955 by W. Dean Sweet in Springfield, Ohio, U.S., where the company is still located. The company said it originally set out to provide positive change to the agricultural industry. Now, 60 years later, Sweet is still a family oriented company that has the reputation for integrity, innovation, heavy-duty superiorly crafted products made with U.S. prime steel and premium components, and customer service to the agricultural, feed, aggregates, wood, industrial and biofuels markets, the company said.

During the 1960s, Sweet made two introductions that became lasting and integral parts of the company. First, Sweet introduced something new to the industry at the time that is still in place today -- the use of galvanized steel in the manufacturing process. Customers appreciated the rust and corrosion resistant qualities obtained, along with longer life and reduced maintenance required for Sweet equipment, the company said. 

Alicia Sweet, president and CEO of Sweet Manufacturing.

Second, Sweet introduced a young girl as “Miss Sweet” in the marketing brochures for the “Sweetheart” elevator buckets. That young girl was the founder’s daughter, Alicia Sweet. After graduating from Wittenberg University, Alicia Sweet joined the Sweet team as advertising coordinator. She then spent several years in various departments throughout the organization.  In 1996, W. Dean Sweet named Alicia Sweet president of the company. After 32 years of service, she continues to serve as president and chief executive officer.

Sweet’s premium heavy-duty products can be found in more than 55 countries around the world.  The company said its vision is to be the world’s first choice provider of material handling solutions. 

 Additionally, Sweet has received the Award for Excellence in Hot-Dip Galvanizing and has been recognized three times by Ohio’s governor for Excellence in Exporting for having made a strong commitment to the international markets. Sweet said it has bi-lingual staff, marketing materials and website, project design layout assistance and strives to provide end users with the world’s finest products and service through its partnership with their world class dealer and reseller network. 

“My father would be so proud of the company we are today and equally thankful for your loyal service,” Hupp said. “As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we need to focus each and every day on what we do the best, which is manufacture ‘The Quality Line’ of material handling equipment. We should strive to deliver on our company mission to provide innovative quality solutions that create an extraordinary customer experience and we must remember to be easy to do business with. The words of my father back in 1970 still hold true today: ‘We are not content to bask in past achievements. Rather, we shall continue to design, engineer and manufacture the finest, highest quality material handling equipment.’”