Martin’s Potato Chips is one of the oldest snack manufacturing companies in Pennsylvania. The company manufactures and distributes potato chips as well pretzels and popcorn. The company also supports the PA Breast Cancer Coalition in Pennsylvania.
History
The history of Martin’s Potato Chips began in 1941 when Harry and Fairy Martin made potato chips at home and sold them at local farmer’s markets. Harry’s passion for potato chips started when as a child, his mother used to take him to the farmer’s market and he saw the Utz family selling chips next to his stand. He liked them very much, so his mother made potato chips for him. After he married Fairy, the two decided to make potato chips at home using his mother’s recipe. When the demand for their potato chips increased, they opened a small manufacturing plant, and started selling their products to local farmer’s markets and small neighborhood grocery stores.
The company used to make potato chips every day so that only fresh chips were sold to their customers. In 1971, Martin’s Potato Chips was acquired by the Potter family and Harry and Fairy Martin became employees of the company. The business also expanded to Maryland and New York. In 1985, the company started expanding internationally by becoming the partner of a Chinese company. Ken Potter became the advisor of Arnott’s Biscuits, a major snack manufacturer in Australia. During the time of U.S. Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton, the company even got the opportunity to serve its snacks on Air Force One.
During this time, the company faced criticism for using unhealthy oils for frying potato chips but it did not change its cooking method. Over the years, the company introduced new flavors in the market and also added new products like pretzels and popcorn to its product line. The company also focused on recycling its waste products such as potato peels, and very small and bad chips by using it to feed cows in the local community. Today, customers can even book a factory tour to see how potato chips are manufactured.
Stats
Company headquarters: 5847 Lincoln Highway, West, Thomasville, PA, USA
Ownership: Private
Number of manufacturing plants: 1
Annual revenue: $50 to $100 million
Number of employees: 200
Geography: Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Altoona
Demography: Natural and Organic
Important Links
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Contact Information
Your chips used to be delicious what happened? I would not eat anything but them. They have a awfull taste in your mouth. So sad please please go back to the old ones.
They have changed back to vegetable oil!!! No more soapy tasting chips!!!
I am against the change to coconut oil this change ruined the flavor of the chips and potentially ruined my summer.
The change to coconut oil ruined the taste of my favorite chips. Really disappointed. Please change back.
Are last two bags of Martins Chips–Kettle cooked that we purchased tasted different almost rancid, that a strange film and taste in our mouths. We thought that maybe it was a different potato. I looked at the bag and seen that coconut oil was used for frying. You also lost loyal customers
I’ve bought your kettle cooked chips for years but not anymore. Bought a bag today and noticed a strange order. When I tasted one I was shocked, tasted totally different and left a weird after taste in my mouth. Looked at the ingredients on two separate bags and noticed you changed from vegetable oil to coconut oil. Completely changed the flavor. You lost a loyal customer, including my entire family. Bad move.
I agree. They now taste like shit!
My son lives in Michigan and loves the BBQ Waffle chips. I would love to send them to him on a more frequent bacis. The problem with doing so is the chips cost $17.00 but the shipping charges are $22.20
little to expensive. If shipping charges were more reasonable I would send them often.
we love your hand cooked potato chips..would you please send me some coupons..i buy them all the time..thank you!
Martin’s Chips are by far supremely loved by ALL that ever have the opportunity to try them. No matter where or what age the tasters are. It appears to me, that The 21st century thinking would drive Martin’s Management to get into this century by setting up regional outreaches to start their products going to outer reaches in the Southeast, the midwest and other areas by connecting (networking if you will) with other food groups that have a wide distribution approach and program. Such as Martin’s Rolls (Unrelated) and ither products that are now going in those regions mentioned before. It would not only increasde a greater market share, but would satisfy those urges that Americans have for a superior product. And I know That Mr. Potter has that zeal and zest to do so. So get up with a group and start that process further. It would also open up employment. And that what Entrepenuership growth is what this Country (USA) thrives and grows on.
I would be willing to offer my assistance in acheiving this Ken………