Our History
125+ years of industrial innovation - From Heinz pickles to cutting-edge technology, discover the remarkable journey of The Olde Pickle Factory.
A Legacy of Innovation and Growth
Since 1899, our complex has been home to industry leaders, each era bringing new innovations while building upon the foundation of manufacturing excellence. From food processing to toys, from medical devices to modern technology - our buildings have housed companies that have shaped their industries.
The Heinz Era
Heinz considered this area superb for the obtaining of apples for vinegar and apple butter and tomatoes for ketchup. The operation began in 1899 with the building of a salting room for pickling cucumbers and this was quickly expanded to include a press room boiler room and vinegar storage building, plus apple bins for 30,000 bushels each.
Over the next five decades the plant, which began off the west side of Genesee Street next to the railroad, grew quite steadily. The one item, pickles was augmented over the years with other products, such as tomatoes, spinach, strained baby food and so forth.
The explosive growth of Heinz was mirrored by an unstoppable, business-driven spread to the settlement of Medina. The original 19 streets which Medina boasted in 1900 became a total of 43 streets by 1909, then an incredible leap to 75 in 1915 and 85 by 1927. Heinz was one of the community's signature industries and its management staff represented a cross section of some of the most capable and loyal local people.
Heinz Impact on Medina
- 🥒 Primary product: Pickled cucumbers
- 🍎 Apple processing for vinegar & butter
- 🍅 Tomato processing for ketchup
- 🥬 Spinach and baby food production
- 👥 Hundreds of local employees
- 🚂 Strategic railroad location
The Fisher-Price Era
In 1969, Fisher-Price announced that the toy company would occupy 200,000 sq. ft. of the complex. Machinery and equipment were moved in with production scheduled to begin in early 1970. Fisher-Price first leased the bulk of the former Heinz buildings, soon negotiating an outright purchase of the property.
The first goal was to produce 3.5 million toys during 1970. Conversion of the Heinz complex to the needs of Fisher-Price required the construction of additional space. The first was a 20,000 sq. ft. link built between the west red brick building on Park Ave. and the center structure, built in 1970.
The Medina plant was one of three Fisher-Price plants producing Outdoor Play Equipment, representing a significant expansion of manufacturing capabilities and employment opportunities for the region.
Fisher-Price Expansion Timeline
The SIGMA International Era
In 1995, the property was purchased by Roger Hungerford, owner of SIGMA International. Moving his infusion pump business to this complex, using around 50,000 sq. ft., with plans to develop the remaining 400,000 sq. ft. as an industrial park. This venture generated several hundred new jobs in the old Heinz/Fisher-Price compound.
SIGMA developed and manufactured smart infusion pump technology including the Spectrum™ large volume pump (LVP), which provides advanced safety and clinician-friendly features. The Spectrum Infusion System became an advanced platform of smart infusion pumps weighing approximately 2.5 pounds and measuring 1/10 the size of many other large volume pumps.
Baxter International Inc. announced in 2012 it exercised its option and completed the purchase of SIGMA International. Baxter Healthcare continues to manufacture the SIGMA Spectrum Infusion Pump in The Olde Pickle Factory today.
SIGMA Spectrum Innovation
- 💉 Smart infusion pump technology
- ⚖️ Only 2.5 pounds - 1/10 size of competitors
- 🛡️ Advanced safety features
- 📡 Wireless connectivity
- 👨⚕️ Clinician-friendly design
- 💊 Drug library updates
The Talis Equity Era
Several millions have been invested in the property to maintain it as a state of the art facility for doctor offices, warehouse space, manufacturing and distribution facilities for a multitude of companies. The Olde Pickle Factory ownership hasn't changed since 1995, now owned by Talis Equity.
Talis Equity is a private investment firm based in The Olde Pickle Factory (Suite 201), providing VC Capital, Operating Principles, and Strategy to early stage companies in the transformative technology space. They focus on expanding their portfolio of technology driven startups that serve a 'higher purpose' to society.
Going beyond The Olde Pickle Factory, Talis Equity invests in unique and beautiful buildings throughout Medina, including the former Medina High School ("Mustang City"), a historic Italian villa, and the historic Bent's Opera House restoration project.
Talis Equity Portfolio
400,000 sq. ft. industrial complex (1899)
Former Medina High School (1924)
Beautiful residential property (1861)
155-year-old Main Street restoration
Be Part of Our Next Chapter
From Heinz pickles to Fisher-Price toys, from life-saving medical devices to cutting-edge technology - join the legacy of innovation at The Olde Pickle Factory.