Watkins Administration Building and Ten-story Manufacturing Plant in Winona,
Minnesota
J.R. Watkins has been a
family owned business since its beginning by J.R. Watkins in 1868. After J.R's
death in 1911 his descendants, the Watkins and Kings, carried on the business,
and since 1978 the Jacobs family continues the Watkins’ tradition of
manufacturing the highest quality products.
Watkins is a true success
story. From J.R.'s kitchen in Plainview, Minnesota in 1868 to today's
administration building and manufacturing facilities in Winona, Minnesota
Watkins has always been a leader in superior quality products and customer
service.
Did you know that the architecturally significant administration
building in Winona was completed at a cost of $1.2 million in 1912, over 100
years ago! It was designed by Prairie School architect George Washington Maher
and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The front entrance
includes a window designed by stained-glass artist Louis J. Millet, depicting
Sugar Loaf Mountain, a local landmark. The building includes Italian tile and
marble, Tiffany-style glass, and other exquisite details. When looking straight
up from the building's marble rotunda, visitors will see the free standing dome
with 24-karat gold leaf.
A ten-story manufacturing
plant was completed in 1913 that uses a gravity fed system in its manufacturing
process.
Did you know that 90% of Watkins production capacity was dedicated
to the World War II Allied effort. Products included Pure Dried Whole Eggs,
Dessert Powder, Gelatin Desserts, Lemon Juice Powder, Orange Beverage Base
Powder, Louse Powder, and Insecticide Powder for Body Crawling Insects.
Watkins has always been a
leader in natural products. Today we offer superior quality spices, herbs, and
extracts as well as personal care and home care products that at 95% to 100%
natural.
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