G.W. Dodge recognized the value of cork in 1871 when he formed the Dodge Cork Company in Berlin, NY. Having secured the Gildan's Mustard account, GW imported corks used in casks, jugs, and bottles. Recognizing the importance of being closer to the seaport and requiring a stable workforce led GW to Lancaster, PA in the early 1880's. GW built a 450,000 square foot manufacturing facility staffed by over 600 employees to service the growing demand for cork. Over the next 125 year, Dodge Cork continued to supply a wide variety of corks to commercial accounts. With the relaunch of Dodge Cork, consumers may now purchase directly from a company dedicated to providing extraordinary customer service, product knowledge and technical expertise.
First Cork Factory
George W. Dodge purchased a small factory in Bennington Vermont, thus establishing the Dodge name with the natural cork industry.
Relocate to Lancaster
G.W. Dodge & Sons moved their entire operation to Lancaster, PA, a center of skilled labor nearby ports and good rail facility to the west.
Dodge Cork Founded
B.G. Dodge's son Arthur B. Dodge re-established the Dodge name and forms the Dodge Cork Company.
Cork Flooring & Tiles
Under A.B. Dodge's guidance, Dodge Cork was the first company in the world to develop the production of composite cork cylinders, cork, rubber and vinyl coated cork floor tiles. By 1962, the Dodge Cork company was producing one million square feet of cork floor tiles per month.
Changing of the Guard
Mrs. Dodge, wife of Arthur Jr., assumed the position of CEO of the Dodge Cork Company. She continued to cultivate and nurture the original family business, while the Dodge brothers continued to work, grow, and develop other areas.