Smith Dairy Products celebrating 100th anniversary

Smith Dairy Products Company, a leading regional manufacturer of dairy products, beverages and ice cream, has long been in the vanguard of the regional dairy business. In 2009, however, the forward-thinking company is also looking back during its year-long 100th anniversary celebration that includes special events, exhibits, production of a retrospective video and book, and an ice cream social.

Smith Dairy will formally commemorate its centennial on June 19 by hosting a community open house and ice cream social in Orrville, Ohio, with family-oriented entertainment for the general public and company associates. Earlier in the day, the company will welcome key customers, vendors, producers, Orrville officials and industry leaders to a special luncheon.

"We wanted to set aside a day to thank those who have helped bring us to this point in the company's history," said Penny Baker, director of marketing at Smith Dairy. "It doesn't begin and end on June 19, though, since we'll be thanking consumers throughout the year with anniversary-themed promotions, coupons and special events."

In honor of its 100 years in business, Smith Dairy has produced "Our First Century: 1909-2009," a heritage video and accompanying book, which will be distributed later this year to Ohio libraries and historical societies. The video is currently available to view on the company's Web site at www.smithdairy.com.

On January 1, 1909, using $500 they had saved and $300 they borrowed from a neighbor, brothers John J. and Peter Schmid bought two horses, two wagons, some milk bottles, cans, dippers, and a hand-cranked freezer to begin daily deliveries to Orrville homes. A hundred years, two major facilities expansions, and many technological innovations later, Smith Dairy is still family owned, with Steve and John Schmid, grandsons of founder John J., as the current president and vice president, respectively.

About Smith Dairy Products Company

Family-owned since 1909 and headquartered in Orrville, Ohio, with production facilities in Ohio and Indiana, Smith Dairy Products Company manufactures a full line of quality dairy, beverage, ice cream and food service products. From Ruggles Premium Ice Cream to SMITH'S milk, Smith Dairy assures its customers the freshest and highest-quality products.