Back in 1953, a little candy company in Lancaster, Pa., was making marshmallow candies for Easter. The Rodda Candy Co., was “laboriously hand-squeezing marshmallow through pastry tubes” to create what is now the famous Easter Peep.

That year, Just Born acquired Rodda, which at the time was better known for its jelly beans. But owners Jack Shaffer, Irv Shaffer, Sam Born and his son Bob saw the potential of the Peep. They also realized the difference automation could make in the whole process.