JERSEY CITY, NJ —
August 05, 2026 |
By DailyHudson Staff
The family-owned pencil maker continues to manufacture art supplies in Jersey City, marking over 165 years of history.
General Pencil Company, a family-owned manufacturer of pencils and art supplies, has been operating in Jersey City since 1889, making it one of the city’s oldest continuously running factories.
The company’s roots trace back to Edward Weissenborn, who established an early pencil factory in Jersey City in 1860. Its endurance highlights Jersey City’s rich manufacturing legacy and the importance of local industry in the community.
Edward Weissenborn, a German-trained mechanical engineer, founded the American Lead Pencil Company in Jersey City in 1860 after learning pencil-making in Germany.
In 1914, the company moved to its own factory in Jersey City, and in 1923, it was renamed General Pencil Company.
“The company produces and distributes a wide range of drawing and writing pencils, maintaining a legacy of quality that began in the 19th century,” said a company spokesperson.
Impact: General Pencil’s continued operation preserves a piece of Jersey City’s industrial history and provides local jobs, contributing to the city’s economic fabric.
What Happens Next: The company remains active, with James Weissenborn serving as CEO and his daughter Katie as president, ensuring the family business continues into the next generation.
General Pencil Company stands as a testament to Jersey City’s manufacturing past and its ongoing vitality.
Source: Hoboken Girl
