It’s finally here: LD Davis is turning 100 years old!
We are grateful to have provided eco-friendly and biodegradable adhesive options for bookbinders, packaging manufacturers, food and beverage companies, and many other businesses since 1926. Over the next year, we’ll look back on our history to celebrate this milestone. First, let’s explore our Foundation Story and look back at the strong foundation our founder, Louis D. Davis Sr., built for us in North Philadelphia.
A Bold Step Forward
It all started in the mid-1920s when the son of a fourth-generation farmer decided to dream a bit bigger than his job at a glue company. Louis D. Davis saw a chance to do it differently. In 1926, his plan started taking shape from his father’s home in North Philadelphia, PA. With a dedication that knew no bounds, Davis spent countless hours innovating a new formula for three stenciling patents for products used in monuments.
It worked. The heart of his invention was raw animal glue derived from animal hides. This natural adhesive became the foundation for his products and set his company, LD Davis Stenciling Company, on a trajectory to become a legacy in the adhesive industry.
Rigid Box Revolution
The 1930s came quickly, and during that time, Philadelphia was the center of one of the country’s most bustling industrial and manufacturing hubs. As technology quickly evolved, LD Davis Stenciling Company – with Davis Sr. at the helm – had to pivot from stenciling as rubberized material became more prominent. Focusing solely on what we now call gelatin glue, the company was renamed LD Davis Glue Company.
The thriving rigid box industry quickly accommodated this adaptation. Rigid boxes, constructed with sturdy materials and often decorated with paper, are essential today. Louis realized the growing need for adhesives that could meet the high demands of this industry and began another revolution of his formulas. His innovations produced dehydrated glue that was easy to transport and use.
Commitment to Quality & Innovation
Louis’s strong relationships with the community, suppliers, and clients ensured that LD Davis survived the Great Depression. As the country entered a war period, our high-quality and innovative products supported the rigid box industry's wartime efforts.
By the 1950s, our Bristol facility was operating around the clock, and Louis developed dehydrated glues that revolutionized the rigid paper box industry. After closing our hide rendering facility, LD Davis’ focus shifted entirely to refining and compounding animal protein-based adhesives. By 1958, Louis D. Davis Sr.’s curiosity, passion for innovation, and commitment to connecting with his local community were the ingredients for the most successful formula he devised: the LD Davis of today. He had succeeded in solidifying us as a premier “cake” glue manufacturer.
We’ve been manufacturing high-quality industrial glues and gelatin products ever since.
Looking Forward
Reflecting on our century of innovation in sustainable adhesives, we're even more excited about the next 100 years. Our vision extends beyond simply making eco-friendly glue—we aim to revolutionize how industries think about bonding materials.
We invite you to be part of this journey as we continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in sustainable adhesive technology. After all, our success over the past century wouldn't have been possible without customers like you, who share our commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.
Join Our Celebration
Have you used our products over the years? We'd love to hear your story! Please contact us today to share your experiences, memories, or photos of our adhesives in action!
Together, we'll make our 100th year the most memorable yet as we bond our achievements with future innovations.
