Shimkus Honors 100th Anniversary of Heath Confectionery

WASHINGTON – Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) recognized the 100th anniversary of the Heath Confectionery in Robinson by entering a statement into the permanent record of the U.S. House of Representatives. 

The statement reads in part:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the centennial of the Heath Brothers Confectionary in Robinson, Illinois. Founded 100 years ago by L.S. Heath and his sons Bayard and Everett, this once small business has expanded to become a global franchise. Over the past 100 years, the Heath Confectionary has produced many successful products, chief among them the Heath Bar, a delicious toffee candy covered in milk chocolate and almonds.

“Made by hand until 1942, production of Heath Bars was eventually ramped up to commercial scale to supply American troops during World War II. Throughout the conflict, Heath Bars were a staple of soldiers' rations, providing them with a small taste of home during their long deployments.

“Known as ‘America's Finest,’ popularity for the candy grew steadily after the war. Recognizing the potential of the Heath Confectionary, the company was eventually acquired by Leif, Inc. in 1989, itself acquired by Hershey in 1996.

“Today, Hershey maintains a plant in Robinson, Illinois, producing iconic candies such as Heath Bars, Paydays, Whoppers and Milk Duds. I applaud Hershey for maintaining the plant's roots in Robinson and for their contribution to the community through the creation of jobs and their generous corporate giving.”

This Congressional Record entry in its entirety can be accessed HERE under March 21 Extensions of Remarks (HTML item 8 or PDF page E412).

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