Thursday, February 25, 2010

World’s Oldest and Largest Candle Maker Begins Manufacturing in Lewisburg




For 155 years, Will & Baumer has been the name to trust in religious candle manufacturing and the company begins a new era by bringing its rich tradition in candle making to Lewisburg, TN.
On February 18, 2010, Will & Baumer officially opened the doors to its new facility in the Lewisburg Business Park with a grand opening ceremony to celebrate its move from Syracuse, NY to Lewisburg. The Will & Baumer Candle Company broke ground on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 in the Lewisburg Business Park with a brief ceremony featuring officials from Lewisburg and Marshall County, the State ECD Department, TVA and parent company Autom Church Supply. The grand opening ceremony welcomed those same visitors as well as employees from Syracuse and Lewisburg, Will & Baumer President Jim Fields and Regional Sales Manager/Co-owner Marshall Ciccone.
The Will & Baumer Candle Company has been in business manufacturing candles for churches all around the world for 155 years in Syracuse, New York. Autom Church Supply acquired the company and began making plans to construct a facility for Will & Baumer in the Lewisburg Business Park next to the Autom Church Supply distribution and call center that has been up and running for two years following its move to Lewisburg from Phoenix, AZ.
“We are constantly amazed by the hospitality and reception we receive each time we come to Lewisburg,” said Tom DiGiovanni, president of Autom Church Supply. “We have been to several places and nowhere have we been treated better than here in Lewisburg, Tennessee. We appreciate so much all the support provided by the State of Tennessee Economic and Community Development Department and the work they have done to help make these projects such a success.”
Construction for the $1.3 million project began the end of July and production in the facility began the first of February 2010. John Chunn of Truette Construction in Lewisburg oversaw the construction of the 10,000 sq. ft. facility that will house 6-8 employees in its first year of operation and grow to 13-19 employees by 2012 with salaries ranging from $50,000 per year to jobs paying $8.50 per hour.
“We have found a new home and a great opportunity here in Tennessee,” said President Jim Fields. “The people here have been very welcoming to our company and its people.”
Three employees made the move to Lewisburg from Syracuse to continue working for Will & Baumer and its newest employees from Marshall County. The Syracuse natives have the made the transition to Lewisburg to maintain their connection to the company and to insure it continues its strong tradition in Lewisburg. The tradition of the company in the candle making industry and the family-feel of the business and its owners has made it a perfect fit for the Lewisburg Business Park.
“We cannot say enough good things about the relationship we have built together with the people of Autom and Will & Baumer,” said Lewisburg ECD Director Terry Wallace. “They have been a pleasure to work with and have proven to be a tremendous asset to the Lewisburg Business Park and the City of Lewisburg.”
During this time of economic uncertainty, it is very important to build and maintain relationships with existing industries and retailers and assist them in their growth, Wallace added.
“We here at the State of Tennessee are pleased to welcome Will & Baumer to Lewisburg,” said Matt Kisber, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. “We appreciate their investment in this fine community, and look forward to a long and successful partnership as we continue to support their growing company.”
The Lewisburg Business Park is now be home to three facilities including U.S. Tank and Cryogenic and Wallace continues to seek industries to purchase the Lewisburg Industrial Building in the Lewisburg Business Park. The City of Lewisburg welcomes Will & Baumer to the Lewisburg Business Park family and looks forward to many years of partnering with the well-respected and well-established religious candles manufacturer.

Photo Cutline
The Will & Baumer Candle Factory Ribbon Cutting—L-R, President Jeff Fields, Tom DiGiovani, Monte Mertens, Marty Mertens, Paul DiGiovani, Marshall Ciccone, Jim Myers and Father Bill Kelley.—Photo by Greg Lowe

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