Adapting to changing times, in 1912 the company began using a new material, celluloid, to manufacture eyeglass frames. After Henry G. Bachmann's death in 1914, the company changed its name to Bachmann Brothers. In 1929, Bachmann Brothers moved to more spacious headquarters at 1400 East Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, where it remains to this day. It continued to specialize in injection molding and was the first American company to manufacture prescription sunglasses.
In the post-war years, its product line included Birds of the World Model kits, shooting glasses, and ski goggles. Its popular Solarex? sunglasses were worn worldwide. Bachmann used its expertise in injection molded plastic to enter the model train field with Plasticville? U.S.A. These easy-to-use snap-together kits of buildings proved to be an immense hit and became must-have accessories for electric trains. Plasticville? U.S.A. is still one of Bachmann's favorite product lines and now includes "pre-built" buildings.
Founded in 1948 in Hong Kong, Kader was established to produce models and toys for export. Starting in 1969, Kader made the first model trains for Bachmann, and the two companies worked hand in hand to create quality model railroading products for the discerning hobbyist. Kader acquired Bachmann from the Crowthers in 1981 and renamed it Bachmann Industries. Kader has grown to become the world's largest manufacturer, by volume, of model railroads.
Now in our third century, we continue to adhere to our founder's vision of providing fine craftsmanship at affordable prices while striving to bring our customers the variety of choices and innovation guaranteed by the Bachmann name.