Vitamix: American-Born, American-Made-and Looking Ahead

CLEVELAND, OH - As a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated American business that has grown into a global company spanning nearly 80 countries, Vitamix Corporation is a case study in American entrepreneurial commitment. Founded by W.G. Barnard in 1921, Vitamix Corporation has a long history of passionate innovation - from helping to pioneer the whole foods movement to creating the world's first infomercial in 1949.

Today, Vitamix is proud to still make all of its products in America. Though experiencing exponential sales growth overseas, the company remains committed to its American roots.

In 2004, it expanded its corporate campus just outside Cleveland, Ohio, from 42,000 square feet to 105,000 for its staff of over 220. Plans are also currently being reviewed for another expansion due to begin this year.

Working with Tennessee-based Eastman Chemical Company, Vitamix introduced a new container for household blenders. These machines were the very first kitchen appliances to use the new BPA free material, Eastman Tritan™ copolyester. The blender containers are also produced in northeast Ohio, as are the lids, blades, chassis, tampers, and many other machine components. Vitamix's thriving industrial headquarters continues to encourage and sustain many other Cleveland-area businesses. Furthermore, all of the company's research and development is conducted locally and two ex-NASA engineers have supported the Vitamix R&D team from time to time. Although the entire Vitamix 5200 is assembled at Vitamix headquarters, the new motor is sourced in Sweden after extensive engineering tests found to be the most efficient in the world.

Although many American companies are doing business in the Pacific Rim, most of them are importing components, particularly from Taiwan and Malaysia. Vitamix is doing the opposite; many of the company's largest accounts involve exporting Vitamix commercial and household products overseas. In fact, the company won the prestigious Governor's Excellence in Exporting Award for the state of Ohio in 2008.

"While I see other multinational companies moving outside the U.S., we continue to renew our commitment to our future here, rather than abroad," says Jodi Berg, president of Vitamix. "This country is still the home of innovation and invention and we are proud to exercise our allegiance by sourcing our materials and manpower domestically." She adds, "This commitment also extends to our employees. At Vitamix, we are passionate about our team and it shows; all of our employees enjoy a state-of-the-art health program, fitness center and generous healthcare benefits."

One of the country's first direct marketers, Vitamix continues to use several direct marketing channels to sell its products. Vitamix demonstrates its sturdy machines in over 2,000 county fairs and shows every year in the U.S. alone and distributes hundreds of thousands of direct mail pieces each month. Because those who own a Vitamix machine are so loyal to the company and their products, the company also has a rapidly-growing affiliate program whereby Vitamix owners can start or augment their own businesses by selling Vitamix products. Today, there are thousands of affiliates in the program.