75 Years and 4 Generations Later - C-Line is Still Going Strong!

C-Line has something BIG to celebrate. It’s a milestone that not many modern- day, privately held companies reach. This year, Jim Krumwiede and his family will celebrate the 75^th Anniversary of C-Line Products, Inc.

75 years ago, four manufacturers’ representatives in the office supply industry purchased a small manufacturing facility and called it The Chicago Desk Pad Company. Elmer Krumwiede, the company’s founder, was an aggressive sales and marketing force for the company and under his direction, the business began to grow.

1953 brought Bob Krumwiede into the business and further acquisitions allowed the manufacturing of sheet protectors, shop ticket holders and other plastic products. Expansion fueled a move to a new facility in Harwood Heights, IL. In 1959, the company brought one of its many signature products to the market with the very first “Hello my name is” pressure-sensitive name badge, which is now an industry icon!

In 1966, the Chicago Desk Pad Company became C-Line Products, Inc., allowing for continued growth into other product categories. “The 60’s and 70’s were a period of tremendous change and development” comments Jim Krumwiede, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board, who joined the company in 1984. “We expanded our warehousing and manufacturing capabilities and continued to add new items to our product mix.”  That expansion included a new corporate office in Des Plaines, IL.

In 1980, another C-Line signature product was added - the first ever Polypropylene Top Loading Sheet Protector in the United States. Sales continued to increase as the company focused on providing superior customer service and enhanced product marketing. In the 1990’s, C-Line achieved its industry leadership position in customer service, with first order fill rates exceeding 99.8%.

In 1986, Judi Krumwiede, Executive Vice President, joined C-Line and revamped the Human Resources/Employee Relations Department. “We created and implemented new policies and procedures, expanded our benefits package, and worked to create a fun, productive atmosphere for all our employees,” adds Judi. “Our employees stay with us for many years, we are very lucky in that respect.”

            In 1998, C-Line relocated from Des Plaines to its current headquarters in Mount Prospect, IL. A larger, more modern facility and warehouse were needed to accommodate C-Line’s increasing space requirements.

In 2011, Jennifer Krach came on board as the fourth generation to contribute to the evolution and expansion of C-Line Products. Under her direction, as Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Service, C-Line continues to expand its product line to better serve our customers’ storage and organization needs. “We welcome new customer partners and new items into our C-Line product offering, most recently with our selection of Paper Items,” comments Jennifer, “And Paper has turned into one of the largest and fastest growing categories in C-Line’s history!”

In 2019 Lindsay Gomez rejoined the fourth generation of C-Line as Vice President of Operations. “I feel that a major reason for our continued success, throughout the years, is the people,” comments Lindsay. “It's the individuals that make up our team, who show up every day to fuel that success, and who’ve introduced new operational processes of how we do business in the day to day.” “We're hugely proud of these accomplishments and thrilled to be able to celebrate 75 years,” concludes Lindsay.

“As our corporate tagline says, C-Line is proud to be ‘inspiring organization since 1949’– what a tremendous accomplishment! 75 years and still going strong!” adds Jennifer. “Office and school supplies are a part of our family legacy, and we are extremely proud of this 75^th milestone achievement for C-Line.”  “Thank you to our employees, customers, and business partners – your support has been key to our success.”  “Our goal is to continue inspiring organization well into the future!” concludes Jennifer.

C-Line Products, Inc. is a leading consumer products developer and manufacturer of plastic and paper storage and organization items for business, home office, and education markets. The company headquarters is in Mount Prospect, IL. For more information on C-Line, contact Jean Andersen at 224-580-2049 or visit Contact Us.