Elmer's Products
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Adhesives, craft materials, home repair items, office supplies |
| Predecessor | Borden (1947–1999) |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founder | Gail Borden (origin of predecessor) |
| Fate | Acquired by Newell Rubbermaid in 2015 |
| Successor | Newell Rubbermaid |
| Headquarters | Westerville, Ohio , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Michael V. Warren (President and CEO), Kelli A. Bray (CFO) |
| Products | Elmer's Glue-All, Krazy Glue, ProBond, CraftBond adhesives, X-Acto cutting instruments |
| Owner | Newell Rubbermaid |
Number of employees | 250–500 |
| Parent | Newell Rubbermaid |
Elmer's Products, Inc.—commonly known as Elmer's—is a U.S.-based company that specializes in adhesives, craft materials, home repair items, and office supplies. It is primarily recognized for Elmer's Glue-All, a popular synthetic adhesive based on PVA, alongside other well-known brands including Krazy Glue, ProBond, CraftBond adhesives, and X-Acto cutting instruments.
Initially launched by Borden in 1947, Elmer's became an independent corporation in 1999. In 2003, the company was purchased by Berwind Corporation, a private equity firm. Later, on October 5, 2015, Newell Rubbermaid finalized a $600 million deal to acquire Elmer’s Products, thereby enhancing its range within the adhesives and craft supply market.
The company's emblem prominently displays "Elmer the Bull," traditionally associated with Borden's mascot Elsie the Cow, reinforcing strong brand identity. Leadership includes Michael V. Warren serving as president and CEO and Kelli A. Bray as CFO. Based in Westerville, Ohio, Elmer’s maintains a global presence with a workforce of approximately 250 to 500 employees, emphasizing innovation and expansion in the office and craft supply industries.
History
The origins of the company trace back to May 11, 1857, when Gail Borden established the enterprise with just three workers and a single product, which eventually evolved into Borden, Inc. In 1929, Borden acquired the Casein Company of America, a prominent producer of milk-based adhesives. The firm introduced Cascorez Glue in 1947 as its first glue product and followed this with resin-based wood adhesives like Cascamite five years afterward.
Early years
Following World War II, Borden ventured into synthetic resin adhesives and launched Elmer's Glue-All in 1947—the first all-purpose white glue available to consumers. Originally dispensed with a wooden applicator, consumer preferences led to the development of easy-squeeze bottles featuring a twistable orange cap in 1962—a distinctive hallmark of Elmer’s packaging.
Later years
Elmer’s broadened its adhesive offerings for both educational and household applications by incorporating hardware sealants and caulks into its lineup. In 1968, it released Elmer’s School Glue—the first washable white glue designed to remove from clothing easily. While both School Glue and Glue-All shared similar formulations, they were marketed with unique packaging designs.
During the 1970s, Elmer’s promoted Krazy Glue, a leading cyanoacrylate adhesive brand. To address teachers’ requests for cleaner products, Elmer’s introduced glue sticks in 1983.
In 1989, Borden established a joint venture with Toagosei America to produce and distribute cyanoacrylate adhesives under the Krazy Glue and Aron Alpha labels.
Elmer’s expanded into children’s arts and crafts with the launch of GluColors in 1991. After Borden was acquired by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts in 1994, Elmer’s was spun off as an independent operating entity concentrating on adhesives for educational use, crafts, hardware applications, and home repair.
In 2000, Elmer’s acquired Ross Products to enhance its creative arts and crafts segment. Two years later, it merged with Hunt Corporation—owner of brands such as X-Acto and Boston—thereby extending its portfolio to include adult arts and crafts along with office supplies.
In 2013, Elmer’s introduced "Elmer's School Glue Naturals," primarily composed of plant-derived ingredients like corn starch, underscoring its dedication to product innovation and sustainability initiatives.
Let's Bond initiative
In 2013, Elmer's collaborated with Dr. Richard Rende to explore the impact of arts and crafts on early childhood growth. His research revealed that engaging in creative projects together enhances cognitive development and strengthens the parent-child relationship through meaningful shared experiences.
Elmer the Bull
Created in 1940 by David William Reid, who also designed Elsie the Cow, Elmer the Bull became the emblem for Borden's adhesive products starting in 1951. Quickly embraced by consumers, Elmer frequently appeared alongside Elsie and their family in various promotional materials. Since that year, Elmer's image has been consistently displayed on all packaging of Elmer's products.
Initially introduced in 1947 under the name Cascorez Glue, the formula included casein derived from milk. Over time, synthetic adhesives proved to be more economical and dependable, leading Elmer's to discontinue the use of animal-based components in their products.
Product range
Elmer's provides a wide selection of items, including adhesives, wood fillers, display boards, and paint markers designed to meet different durability requirements and uses.
Additional brands
Krazy Glue, launched in North America in 1973, is a quick-setting, high-strength instant adhesive formulated with ethyl cyanoacrylate. X-Acto offers precision cutting tools such as hobby knives, saws, and carving blades commonly utilized in crafting and office environments.