Our Story...

Ex-Cell was founded in 1933 by Joe Goldberg. Initially, Ex-Cell manufactured motion picture products for theaters and hotels near Chicago's Movie Row on Wabash Ave. & Roosevelt Rd. Producing a variety of items including 'Sand Urns' and 'Cigarette Smoking Stands' for movie theater lobbies eventually made way for the expansion of the product line when Joe's son, Mort Goldberg took over.

When Mort stepped in, he expanded the product line to include items for the commercial market like trash receptacles, oil containers, and more. Mort successfully ran Ex-Cell for 50 years before his son, Ken Goldberg, got involved in the family business in the 1970s. Ken further expanded the product line to incorporate a wider array of receptacles, including our best-selling Kaleidoscope Collection (that is still available for purchase today).

In 2007, Mort's daughter, Janet (Goldberg) Kaiser, took the reins and continues to lead the family business from Franklin Park, IL, where the manufacturing plant is now located.

Ex-Cell's 90 years of success can be attributed to commitment to investing in cutting-edge technology, including high-tech robotics and laser-cutting machines, as well as employing skilled craftsmen. We also take pride in manufacturing every product in Illinois, never sacrificing quality, or importing components from overseas.