Malmark Bellcraftsmen Inc.

A native of Wilkes Barre, Jacob Malta (1919-2010), founded Malmark Inc. in 1974, along with Willard H. Markey (1911-2004) who developed the firm’s marketing and sales programs.
As president and chief engineer, Malta was responsible for designing the Malmark handbell and its further improvements and innovations throughout the years.
Malmark Inc., opened its doors at 100 Doyle St., Doylestown, in May 1974. The first sets of 25 bells were shipped to clients in the fall of that year. The size of the sets was soon expanded to 37, 49 and 61 bells.

As sales to churches, schools, and community groups increased, so did the need for more space for the crafting of the bells. In 1978, Malmark moved its operations to larger facilities at 21 Bell Lane in New Britain.

Growth of sales continued, and when local zoning restrictions blocked Malmark’s plans for further expansion of its plant, the company purchased more than 12 acres on Route 611 in Plumsteadville, with buildings providing some 42,000 square feet of floor space. Malmark moved to its present location in 1985.
Today, this local company continues to be a leader in the design, crafting, and tuning of fine English handbells.

Doylestownhistorical.org

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