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Oneida
Medical
Jewelry
- History
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Chicago 1963
Forty-seven years ago the American Medical Association, headquartered
in Chicago, met with several people in response to a need for a design
and program to alert others of a special medical condition when a
person was unable to communicate. When the program was announced, Don
and Genny Bennett, newlyweds living in Chicago, went to the AMA offices
to discuss the program. They proceeded to design a medical alert
necklace and metal wallet card with a custom-engraved symbol. Their
company, then known as National Nameplate Co., was included in a
national mailing to all U.S. pharmacies. They have sold their products
through independent pharmacies ever since.
Computers Fuel
Oneida's Growth
In the early 80s, computerized engraving machines were invented and the
company promptly switched from their Imperial stamping machines to
computers. Their original Dahlgren Wizzard still works and is used
occasionally but now they have a variety of computerized engravers to
accommodate all of their different materials. The advent of computer
engraving made it possible to produce nicer products and Oneida was the
first company to do so. Many companies had been converting dog tags to
medical tags and these utilitarian models were found in many
pharmacies, including Walgreens. But Oneida never used converted dog
tags, preferring to focus on designing products for people.
The arrival of the internet brought the next major change to the
industry. Again, Oneida Nameplate was one of the first companies to
build a website that provided medical alert bracelets and necklaces. At
the time, few companies made similar items but today there are scores
of them.
Oneida: Still
Unique
Oneida remains unique because of its beaded bracelets. They work with
many people who make beaded bracelets and sell them through their own
websites. Oneida provides them with their engraved plates and charms
which the beaders then attach to their own bracelets for their
customers. The result is a beautiful medical alert bracelet. To
increase exposure and sales for their partners, Oneida provides a
beaded bracelets gallery on its website.
Real People and
Real Value
Don and Genny Bennett are still actively involved in the company,
appreciating it more each day. They are located in a small community
near Manchester, Iowa, where they enjoy rural life. Their offices and
manufacturing facilities are located in the midst of fertile Iowa
farmland. They are continually intrigued by the worldwide sales
originating out of the heartland. When you call Oneida Nameplate you
speak with a real person, one who’s interested in the customer.
Customers are pleasantly surprised to find their orders shipped the
next day. Upon receipt, they find that Oneida products are a true
Midwestern value: high quality at a reasonable price. Almost daily they
receive thanks and compliments from happy customers, some of which they
put on their website. To read them, visit the Customer
Comments Page.
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