The evolution of UST Inc. from its humble origins in 1822 mirrors closely the explosive growth of the United States over the past two centuries. Through takeovers, break-ups, the Great Depression and, ultimately, an expansion of its product line, the company has flourished to become an American success story. Yet just as our nation was built on certain enduring principles, so, too, does Copenhagen – the original offering of UST’s U.S. Smokeless Tobacco subsidiary – remain today the company’s foundation. One of the oldest branded products still in use in America, it has stood over the years as a lasting symbol of quality that is reflected in all the goods we now manufacture.
1822
George Weyman, inventor of Copenhagen snuff, opens his tobacco shop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
1845
Weyman's tobacco shop is one of the few businesses to survive the Great Pittsburgh Fire.
1850
Tobacco manufacturing at Weyman's reaches $30,000 annually.
1866
Getting on in years, Weyman relinquishes control of the shop to his sons William and Benjamin.
1870
Following their father's death, William and Benjamin officially adopt the name Weyman & Bro.
1877
Weyman & Bro. encounters difficulty following the year's great financial panic, only to rebound over the next two decades.
1890
Production of Copenhagen Snuff outpaces that of all of Weyman & Bro.'s other brands for the first time.
1905
Weyman & Bro. is acquired by the monopoly of the American Tobacco Company.
1907
The United States government moves to promote competition in the tobacco industry by breaking up American Tobacco Company.
1911
Following the break-up of American Tobacco, the newly named Weyman-Bruton Company incorporates and publishes its first annual report, showing net earnings of $77,454.41.
1921
Weyman-Bruton begins a period of expansion by acquiring Joseph G. Dill Inc. and United States Tobacco Company.
1922
Weyman-Bruton becomes the United States Tobacco Company.
1931
United States Tobacco Company's net income reaches $3 million. Despite the Great Depression, it becomes one of just a handful of companies to retain all its employees and never miss a dividend payment.
1934
Not deterred by the depressed economy, United States Tobacco Company introduces a new product – Skoal, a wintergreen-flavored smokeless tobacco.
1936
A new five-story packing and finishing department is constructed in Nashville, Tennessee.
1940
A new manufacturing plant and a tobacco storage warehouse are completed in Richmond, Virginia.
1943
The company first uses outdoor advertising to market Copenhagen snuff.
1945
The company expands its Chicago facility to accommodate its growing moist snuff business.
1947
The number of stockholders grows to 8,632, representing a dramatic 72 percent increase from five years earlier.
1958
At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the certificate of incorporation is amended to permit diversification of the company's businesses.
1961
United States Tobacco Company celebrates its 50th anniversary with net earnings of $3.4 million.
1966
Sales first cross the $50 million mark, ending the year with total sales of $54.2 million.
1969
The company acquires Henry, Leonard & Thomas, Inc., manufacturers of Dr. Grabow pre-smoked pipes.
1970
United States Tobacco Company headquarters relocates from New York City to a new building in Greenwich, Connecticut.
1972
Borkum Riff, distributed domestically by United States Tobacco Company, becomes the No. 1 imported pipe tobacco.
1973
Company sales top $100 million for the first time.
1974
The company enters the wine business by acquiring Chateau St. Michelle, Washington state's largest winery.
1979
United States Tobacco Company celebrates its fifth anniversary of involvement with the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.
1981
United States Tobacco Company begins its association with NASCAR by sponsoring the Skoal Bandit Grand National Race Car.
1983
Skoal Bandits smokeless tobacco pouches are introduced nationally. Columbia Crest winery is opened.
1984
Skoal Long Cut smokeless tobacco is introduced nationally.
1987
UST Inc. is established as a holding company with its primary subsidiaries being United States Tobacco Company and International Wine & Spirits Ltd.
1992
UST sales reach a historic landmark, surpassing $1 billion.
1997
United States Tobacco Company celebrates the 175th anniversary of Copenhagen by introducing Copenhagen Long Cut.
1998
United States Tobacco Company becomes the only smokeless tobacco manufacturer to sign a master settlement agreement with 45 state attorneys general. The company voluntarily agrees to a series of marketing and advertising restrictions designed to address public concerns regarding youth access to tobacco products.
2000
Stimson Lane Vineyards & Estates places five wines on Wine Spectator magazine's prestigious list of the "Top 100 Most Exciting Wines of 2000" – the only wine company in the world so honored.
2001
United States Tobacco Company changes its name to U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company to more closely align with the company's strategic vision and more accurately reflect its distinct position in the tobacco industry.
2002
UST celebrates 90 years of being listed on the New York Stock Exchange, making it one of the 25 oldest companies continuously traded on the Exchange.
2004
Stimson Lane Vineyards & Estates changes its name to Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in tribute to the company's flagship winery. Later that year, Chateau Ste. Michelle is named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine.
2006
UST announces the kick-off to Project Momentum, the most comprehensive cost-savings initiative in company history, with the goal of delivering more than $100 million in efficiency gains over a three-year period.
2007
As part of Project Momentum, UST sells its Greenwich, CT headquarters to unlock the building’s value and opens new offices in neighboring Stamford with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
2007
In the same week that UST moves to its new headquarters, the company closes on the largest acquisition in its history, buying renowned Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in California’s Napa Valley.
