Thursday "Carmex 75th Anniversary Day" in Wisconsin

FRANKLIN -- Gov. Scott Walker, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Franklin Mayor Tom Taylor were on hand as Carma Laboratories, the company that produces Carmex, celebrated its 75th anniversary Thursday, July 19th.

Gov. Walker proclaimed Thursday "Carmex 75th Anniversary Day" in Wisconsin.

Eric and Paul Woelbing serve as the CEO and President, respectively, of Franklin's family-owned Carma Laboratories. Carmex was created out of necessity back in 1937. The man behind the lip balm was Paul and Eric Woelbing's grandfather, Alfred.

"75 years, and very few companies survive in the third generation. Eric and I are very fortunate to inherit a very good company," Paul Woelbing said.

The Woelbings say Carmex makes up about 15 percent of the country's lip balm market, and is expanding its reach overseas -- particularly in Taiwan, where Carmex is the number one selling lip balm.

"For a company like Carma Laboratories to be around and to be as prominent as it is, it takes a great committment to having that 'family-like' approach to the employees, and certainly I think that's part of the strength that you have here today and why there's a great celebration," Gov. Walker said.

With a growing product line that includes "click sticks" and skin moisturizers, the Woelbings recognize their employees continue to craft the Carmex name.

Carma Laboratories employs up to 140 people, depending upon seasonal demand.

Alfred Woelbing, the company's founder, lived to be 100 years old. He worked a full, eight-hour day as the company's president until he was 96!

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