In 1932, the brothers began
inching their way into the national market. During the depression
years their business flourished while others began failing. There was
nothing else like it in the national marketplace. The bar's uniqueness
and superb quality served to push the product up the ladder of
success.
As the candy bar grew in
popularity, the production facilities on South Jackson Street grew to
keep up. This was still a hand-operation from beginning to end. It was
ten years later that the plant was partially mechanized for the first
time.
It was a sales achievement
obtained during World War I that was credited for growth to an
international market. Heath English Toffee "America's
Finest," would now become popular world wide.
In 1946. L.S. his four sons two
daughters and grandchildren formally incorporated L.S. Heath and Sons
Inc. The company grew, and changed, acquiring other confectionery
firms.
In 1967 a new production plant
was built on West Main street where it remains today. The operations
and equipment were extensively modernized in the late 1970s. The plant
was now fully automated and a chocolate processing plant was added.
The popularity of the candy continued to grow.
In 1989 the Heath family sold
the company to Leaf, Inc., a division of Hutamaki Oy of Helsinki,
Finland. American operations were headquartered in Lake Forest,
Illinois.
In 1990, Leaf, Inc.
strengthened its commitment to Robinson, IL through a major expansion
of the facility. The Main Street production facility was expanded by
234,000 square feet and approximately 300 new employees were hired.
In addition to being the home
of the Heath Toffee Bar, Robinson is now manufacturing
Milk Duds,
Whoppers, Payday and
Zero candy bars.
In January of 1997, the
Robinson plant became a subsidiary of the Hershey candy company. With
the acquisition of the Robinson plant and its product line, Hershey is
not only the number one candy producer in the United States, but now
offers its customers an even more diverse product line.