Reynolds Cut-Rite Wax Paper was invented in 1927.

Reynolds Metals was named after company founder Richard S. Reynolds Sr.

Reynolds logo, used since 1935, was inspired by Raphael's version of St. George and the Dragon. The legend of England's patron saint, depicted in several noted paintings, symbolizes the crusading spirit.

Early in his career, Richard S. Reynolds worked for his uncle, tobacco king R. J. Reynolds. In 1919, the young Reynolds started his own business, the U.S. Foil Co., supplying tin-lead wrappers to cigarette and candy companies.

When the price of aluminum dropped in the 1920s, Reynolds switched to the new lightweight, noncorrosive metal. In 1924, U.S. Foil bought the company that made Eskimo Pies, the ice cream product wrapped in foil. Four years later, Reynolds purchased Robertshaw Thermostat, Fulton Sylphon, and part of Beechnut Foil, adding the companies to U.S. Foil to form Reynolds Metals.

Foreseeing a need for aluminum if the United States became involved in World War II, Reynolds Metals began mining bauxite (aluminum ore) in Arkansas in 1940 and opened its first aluminum plant near Sheffield, Alabama, the following year.

Reynolds Metals pioneered the development of aluminum siding in 1945 and Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil in 1947. In 1982, the company introduced Reynolds Plastic Wrap.

Each year Reynolds Metals sells enough Cut-Rite Wax Paper to circle the globe more than fifteen times.

Reynolds Metals also makes Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil, Reynolds Plastic Wrap, Reynolds Oven Bags, and Reynolds Freezer Paper.

Copyright © 2006 Joey Green. All rights reserved. "Reynolds" and "Cut-Rite" are registered trademarks of Reynolds Metals.