ELLISON'S HISTORY AND MILESTONES
Ellison has a rich history of transforming and empowering the DIY arts & crafts market.
At Ellison® we strive to provide makers with inspiring products that enhance the creative lifestyle. Creativity is at the heart of everything we do, and it’s at the heart of our community of makers, who endeavor to incorporate making throughout their life. Since 1977, when Ellison created the first consumer die-cutting machine, the company has grown to incorporate a variety of making essentials and fashion forward products. Our brands provide products that appeal across demographics and to creatives with different making techniques and styles.
1977
Ellison is founded by LaDorna and Bob Eichenberg
1978
From the owners’ garage to our first building
1981
Made by hand: in-house die-making begins
1984
First laser machine used to manufacture wood die blocks
1988
Relocate to a 20,800 square foot facility in Irvine, California
1989
10,000 machines sold!
1991
25,000 machines sold!
1993
First photo catalog published
1996
Ellison launch the new website ellison.com
1998
Move to present location in Lake Forest 137,000 sq. ft building
2001
Sizzix® is launched
2004
Ellison Prestige® Machine line is launched
2005
Going global with European Headquarters in Wrexham, UK
2006
Big Shot™ machine makes big debut
2009
Allstar™ SuperStar™ Machine debuts
2010
Sizzix goes electronic with the Eclips™
2011
Kristin Highberg, granddaughter of LaDorna Eichenberg, named CEO
2014
Eichenbergs earn CHA Industry Achievement Award
2014
Ellison CEO, Kristin Highberg, wins Bronze Stevie Award for Female Executive of the Year
2018
Richard Birse is announced as the new company CEO

Founded by an educator, Ellison Educational Equipment, Inc. has been the recognised global leader of die-cutting machines, die-cutting products and shape-cutting accessories for the education market, coupled with innovative teaching principles that support all subject matter. For more information, please visit www.EllisonEducation.com.
Launched in 2001, Sizzix® is a recognised global brand that caters specifically to the creative consumer market. We offer an integrated foundation of creative necessities for makers in every category, including papercrafts, soft crafts, home décor, scrapbooking, cardmaking and much more. Sizzix die-cutting machines and dies, along with essential tools, accessories and supplies for makers, can be found in over 100 countries and in major and specialty retailers. For more information, please visit www.Sizzix.com and www.Sizzix.co.uk.


My Life Handmade, the newest addition to the Ellison family, is a lifestyle brand that takes a wholistic approach to daily living, centred on mindfulness, relaxation and creativity. The My Life Handmade range offers relaxing Macramé craft kits, home décor from Lisa Angel and high-quality stationery, designed to personalise your environment and contribute to an overall sense of well-being. My Life Handmade is available for UK, European and US customers. Discover the ranges today;
MLH UK & Europe Website: mylifehandmade.co.uk
MLH US Website: mylifehandmade.com
Ellison maintains corporate offices in Lake Forest, California, and Wrexham, UK, where under the leadership of CEO Richard Birse, the company ambitiously plans the next generation of creative products.