History Manufacturing Excellence Since 1928
1928: Alwin was founded
In 1928, Alwin was established in Green Bay, Wisconsin by three gentlemen; Albert, Erwin, and a third investor named Winn. Parts of the first names of these each man were used to create the name “Alwin”.
Originally located in a portion of what was known as the vacant Oneida Truck Co. building on Broadway Street, today nothing exists at this site that would link Alwin to it. Early Alwin dispenser drawings were sometimes sketched on the back of blank Oneida Truck production pages found in the building.
1940: The move to Velp
By 1940, Alwin had moved to a portion of what was known as the Willow Grass Rug Company building on Velp Avenue. The Willow Grass Rug Company once produced rugs woven from area march grass. While the exterior of the Velp Avenue building has changed over time and the Alwin offices have since moved, Alwin Manufacturing still has some operations out of the Velp Avenue location.
Product History
During all ninety years, Alwin has produced a variety of dispensers for the paper industry. Some were of specific design for a unique napkin or folded paper towel while others were created for standard singlefold, multifold or C-fold towels. Roll towel dispensers have also been produced for many years. One of the longest production run models was the Bay West “Turn-towel” dispenser that required a user to push a release button before cranking out toweling.
Alwin also manufactured other metal products. For many years, cylindrical Boraxo powdered hand soap dispensers were produced for the Borzxo Company of “Twenty Mule Team Borax” fame. Cable straps were produced for the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company, along with waterproof terminal boxes. Conduit boxes of electric motors were manufactured for Doerr Electric. The list goes on to include stop signs for the City of Green Bay.
Today, Alwin produces a full line of dispensing fixtures that are sold to the paper industry in the “commercial” or “service-products” side of business. Alwin makes dispensers for folded paper towels, such as C-fold, multifold or singlefold towels, as well as dispensers for toilet tissue, tissue seat covers, shop towels and in the food service business, napkins of all sizes. Within the industry, Alwin is also known for its dispenser design and engineering capabilities.