Author: John Kerr

The R.M. Palmer Company remains devastated by this tragedy and by the loss of our friends and colleagues.  Our employees and their families have been the foundation for our business since our founding in 1948, and we have prided ourselves on a culture focused on making the company and local community a better place to work and live.  We are inspired by the determination and strength of the West Reading community through these difficult times.

As it has been throughout our history, our focus remains on supporting our employees and our community, and we are committed to continuing to do so.  We are grateful for the overwhelming support we continue to receive, both directly to the company and to our employees and their families, from local organizations as well as our peers and business partners in the confectionery industry.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which has jurisdiction over hazardous materials transported by pipeline, has taken the lead federal role in investigating this incident.  The NTSB has asked Palmer and natural gas provider UGI Utilities, Inc. to assist in this federal investigation.  Because we have been asked to assist in this federal investigation, under applicable federal regulations, we are precluded from commenting on anything related to the ongoing investigation, including any allegations that may be made in litigation relating to the incident.  Our employees’ safety and health has always been, and will continue to be, of paramount importance.

Media contact:  RMPalmermedia@gmail.com

Everyone at R.M. Palmer continues to grieve for the incomprehensible loss of our friends and colleagues.  We send our heartfelt condolences to all of those who have lost loved ones, and hope for the speedy recovery of all who were injured.

 We have been truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support that we have received from our employees, the local community and our business peers, and feel blessed to have such incredible partners. 

 We also want to extend our sincerest appreciation to the first responders and emergency workers, who tirelessly conducted search and rescue efforts immediately following the explosion. We are forever grateful and thank everyone who has supported us through this trying time. 

 As we return to work, the safety of our employees and our community remains our top priority, and we are committed to providing all the resources we can to those effected by this incident.   The crisis line we established remains open for the foreseeable future and grief counseling is available to all those who would like to engage the service. Further, a full list of support agencies can be found on our website.

 R.M. Palmer has been part of the West Reading community since 1948, and while the tragedy has affected us all, it has not shaken our resolve. The strength and support of our employees has been inspiring, and we are committed to continuing to giving back to the communities that have given us so much.

West Reading, PA, January 2018 — R.M. Palmer Company is proud to mark the 70th anniversary of the company and their beloved product Baby Binks in 2018. What began in 1948 as one man’s dream to establish a confectionery business, has grown into a collection of holiday novelties loved by millions.

Baby Binks, was introduced in 1948 and is one of the original characters created by R. M. Palmer. The icon of the Palmer Easter candy lineup, Baby Binks is 2 ounces of creamy, milk chocolate in a hollow shell with sweet candy eyes. For generations, Easter baskets everywhere have included this classic chocolate baby bunny.

Anchored by icons with names like Baby Binks, Peter Rabbit, and Flopsy, Palmer has turned figureless chocolates into exciting characters, each with their own personality. R.M. Palmer Company has left their mark on an entire industry, holding patents for unique designs and innovative manufacturing processes alike. In fact, Palmer is widely recognized for making more hollow chocolate bunnies than any other company in the world – manufacturing 50 million hollow bunnies each year.

Today, the R.M. Palmer Company is the 25th largest confectioner in North America and the 82nd largest confectioner in the world (candyindustry.com). From its headquarters in West Reading, PA, R.M. Palmer’s 850 dedicated employees design, produce, package, and ship more than 500 unique items to retail locations throughout North America – making R.M. Palmer one of America’s largest and most innovative confectioners.

For more info or high-res images, please contact Ellie Deardorff, deardorff-e.pr@comcast.net or 609.658.4999.