LEWISTOWN — After more than 90 years as a family-run business, Hartley’s Potato Chip Co. is entering a new chapter.

Dan Hartley and Kellie Johnson have announced the sale of the company’s assets to Bill French, a move designed to preserve the legacy of the longtime Central Pennsylvania snack brand while positioning it for continued growth.

French, a builder and businessman from Middleburg, is the owner of Wood-Mode LLC, a high-end custom cabinetry company in Kreamer, Snyder County. He purchased that company after it abruptly closed in 2019, laying off nearly 1,000 employees. The closure had a major impact on the local community, as Wood-Mode was the county’s largest employer.

French had personal ties to the community and knew many of the laid-off workers. Motivated to help restore jobs and preserve the company’s reputation for quality, he visited the plant soon after the closure, offered support and eventually purchased the company’s assets, forming Wood-Mode LLC.

He said he views the purchase of Hartley’s in a similar way, supporting a company with deep roots in the community.

Founded in 1935 by J. Irvin Hartley and his wife, the company built its reputation on kettle-cooked potato chips made in small batches. Hartley’s “Original Kettle Cooked Potato Chips” have remained a defining product, known for their consistent flavor and traditional preparation methods.

“As we step into this next chapter, we are grateful for the generations of customers, employees, and community members who have supported Hartley’s,” said siblings Dan Hartley and Kellie Johnson. “This company has been part of our family and our community’s identity for decades.”

The sale marks a turning point for the business which has operated for 91 years. While ownership is changing, the Hartley family emphasized that preserving the company’s identity and values was central to their decision.

“Passing that legacy on is something we take great pride in,” they said.

Under the terms of the transition, both Hartley and Johnson will remain involved in the company’s operations. Their continued participation is intended to provide stability and ensure that the quality and taste of the product remain consistent for customers.

“I am very pleased to share that both Dan Hartley and Kellie Johnson will remain as part of Hartley’s operations, ensuring the same quality and taste of every chip packed at the facility,” French said.

French, the new owner of the Maitland-based company, said maintaining Hartley’s established approach will be a key priority. Production will continue to rely on the same traditional kettle-cooking process and recipes that have defined the brand for decades.

“Bill shares our deep appreciation for what makes Hartley’s special,” Hartley and Johnson said. “His dedication to preserving Hartley’s authentic recipes, small-batch process and uncompromising standards gives us confidence that the brand will continue to thrive for decades to come.”

In addition to preserving the company’s core practices, French plans to invest in its future. According to the announcement, those plans include modernizing production, expanding regional distribution and strengthening customer engagement, while maintaining the authenticity that has long set Hartley’s apart.

“Knowing that our customers can expect the same great taste, the same old-fashioned craftsmanship, and the same commitment to quality means everything to us,” Hartley and Johnson said. “Hartley’s has always been more than just a great potato chip — it’s a piece of Pennsylvania snack history. We’re proud to see that tradition continue.”

The company will continue operating from its Maitland facility, where it has long produced its kettle-cooked chips. With leadership continuity and established processes remaining in place, the transition is expected to maintain consistency for both employees and customers.

As Hartley’s approaches a century in business, the sale represents both an end and a beginning. While ownership has changed hands, the company’s foundation — built on tradition, quality and community ties — remains intact under its new leadership.