1940's
Russell G. Klass Corporation is founded.
1973
Jack Klass joined his father in the family business.
1980
Jack organized and founded the National Ingredient Marketing Specialists Association (NIMS).
1984
Klass Ingredients, Inc., headquartered in Orchard Park, NY is founded by Jack Klass with a staff of four.
1988
KI moved its headquarters office to Ellicott Road in Orchard Park to support the growing business and now employs seven people.
1989
Developed “Going for Broke” software for Ingredient Brokers.
1992
Formed Klassic Overseas Ingredients to import pineapple from Thailand.
| 1994
Added dedicated sales representative to serve the Western Pennsylvania market from Erie to Pittsburgh.
1996
Toronto, Ontario office opened with a select group of Principals.
1997
Canadian subsidiary, Klass Ingredients Canada, Ltd., is formalized.
1998
Sales office is opened in Montreal, Quebec, to focus on Quebec and The Canadian Maritimes.
1998
Acquired Industrial Ingredients in Boston, Massachusetts. The acquisition strategically positioning the company to be the “Broker of Choice” in a contiguous market bridging two continents.
1999
Moved to current headquarters on North Buffalo Street.
2000
Pat Backman joined Klass Ingredients. Work begins on a succession plan, which includes the assumption of ownership and leadership of the company.
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2003
Pat Backman completed the purchase of Klass Ingredients from Jack Klass. Jack remains with the company servicing Principals and customers. 2004
Developed PICS software system (Principals, Ingredients, Customers, Service) to further enhance the value KI brings to the principals and customers served. 2006 Incorporated KI Overseas, LLC. to source hard to find domestic and offshore ingredients. Allows us unique opportunities to partner with our customers.
2007 Re-launch BETA version of PICS software
2009 - Klass Ingredients celebrates 25 Years in business! 2010 - Nominated as a Buffalo Business Ethics Award Finalist. 
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