1865
Founded by Douw Ditmars Williamson in New York to manufacture burnt sugars for the brewing industry.
1923
Consolidated two acquired companies into Emken Malt Product Company resulting in a broadened ingredient portfolio for brewing customers.
1948
Constructed a manufacturing facility in Louisville, Kentucky; this plant was completely updated for automation in 2004.
1963
Built plant in Modesto, California to improve service to customers in Western North America, Asia and Australia.
1978
Created the company's first overseas operation in County Cork, Ireland, to supply the rapidly-expanding soft drink industry in Europe.
1984
Acquired Food Technology Laboratory, Inc. of Chicago to develop further expertise in customers' food applications.
1985
Constructed the first direct pipeline from a caramel color manufacturer to a soft drink processor. 1987
Implemented Philip Crosby's Quality Improvement Process (QIP) to focus on meeting customer expectations and continuous improvement.
1996
Established D.D. Williamson Ingredients (Shanghai) Ltd., a wholly-owned foreign enterprise, to manufacture caramel color for customers in Asia.
1999
Began producing in Swaziland to supply customers in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
2000
Formed partnership with colorMaker to explore the market for natural colors and distribute its blended solutions on a global basis.
2001
Opened South America's largest caramel color manufacturing operation in Manaus, Brazil.
2003
Launched new caramelized products using non-traditional carbohydrate sources (e.g. rice, apple and onion).
2004
Acquired Cargill's Cerestar caramel color operation in Manchester, United Kingdom, including its broad selection of burnt sugars and specialty caramels for beer and sauces.
2005
Launched the first certified organic caramel colors in North America.
Established D.D. Williamson Colors, LLC upon the acquisition of Artemis International's Elderberry and Chokeberry color business.
2006
Acquired Dinesen Trading Company in Port Washington, Wisconsin to add Annatto, Turmeric, Paprika, and Carmine to the natural color portfolio.