Wendell August Forge of Grove City, Pa., is celebrating its 95th anniversary in 2018. The company, which offers handcrafted products, is planning a year-long celebration to honor the milestone.

Founded in 1923, the Wendell August Forge survived the Great Depression; a forced closure during World War II as aluminum was sent to the war effort; the decline of American manufacturing; and a catastrophic fire that destroyed the company's historic flagship store, manufacturing facility and offices.

In the past, Wendell August Forge crafted mementos in honor of the “Millionaires' Flight” for the doomed Hindenburg air ship and was commissioned by the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency to produce 12 bronze plates commemorating the SALT II treaty between the U.S. and Russia. Today, the forge is most famous for its giftware and Christmas ornaments sold through retail stores and online. In addition, its custom products team creates masterpieces for businesses (such as Disney) and sports teams (such as the Pittsburgh Steelers).

Activities are planned throughout 2018, and an official 95th handstamp has been commissioned for the anniversary.  According to Erin Lewis, the company's director of marketing, new products will also be part of the celebration. “We've stepped up our capabilities, and our design team has taken our product to entirely new level this year,” Lewis said. “We'll be handcrafting a limited edition 95th anniversary collection that will include some of our best pieces in gold and silver, adorned with Swarovski Crystals.”