IAM Union Midwest Territory leaders, including General Vice President Sam Cicinelli and Local 701 Directing Business Representative Mark Grasseschi, recently visited C. Cretors & Company in Wood Dale, Illinois. The company is known for manufacturing popcorn machines and has a longstanding relationship with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), dating back to the early 1950s.
Cretors & Company is recognized for its historical significance in American industry. Charles Cretors founded the business and introduced the first steam-powered popcorn machine at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This innovation changed how popcorn was made by allowing it to be popped in hot oil rather than over open flames, leading to more consistent results.
General Vice President Sam Cicinelli commented on the importance of domestic production: “In a world where so much production has moved overseas, it’s essential that iconic products like Cretors popcorn machines are still union-made right here in Illinois,” said Cicinelli. “Every Cretors machine that leaves the shop floor ships with an IAM union label, and that’s a point of pride for our members and their families.”
Mark Grasseschi highlighted the collaborative environment at Cretors: “Our members have been creating magic at Cretors for decades,” said Grasseschi. “This is a family-owned business with family values, and our members are part of that family. It proves what can be accomplished when labor and management work hand in hand.”
The partnership between IAM members and company leadership has contributed to maintaining high standards at Cretors & Company. The company’s machines are now found in venues worldwide.
Cretors also expanded its product line over time to include wagons capable of roasting peanuts, baking chestnuts, and serving hot drinks.
