Charles Freihofer founded the Freihofer Baking Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1884. His business quickly boomed and on March 12, 1913, his brothers William, Edwin and Frank Freihofer established the Freihofer Baking Company in Troy, New York. The Freihofer Baking Company was an instant success in Troy. By 1914, another plant was constructed in Schenectady, New York, and in 1915, a third plant was built in Albany, New York. In addition to being known for chocolate chip cookies and an extensive line of bread products, Freihofer Baking Company is also known for establishing the nation’s first computerized bakery in 1984.

The Freihofer Baking Company was owned and managed by the Freihofer family until General Foods acquired the company in 1987. General Foods later sold it to Best Foods in New Jersey. In order to consolidate production, all baking was relocated to the two Albany plants located on Prospect Avenue.  These facilities are still in use today. The current bread-making facility was built in 1972, and the cake plant was built in 1979. In 2009, the company changed hands once again and became a subsidiary of Bimbo Bakeries. The Freihofer bakeries, which employ more than 700 people, produce baked goods not only for the local market, but also for distribution throughout New England, New York and New Jersey.

Prior to the late 1970s, asbestos-containing materials were utilized in construction and maintenance of the Freihofer Baking Company in Albany, New York. Inhaling dust and particles from the application and removal of asbestos-containing materials placed workers at risk for developing serious health problems, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Even those who were not in direct contact with asbestos materials remain at risk for the development of asbestos-related diseases. If you or a loved one were once employed at the Freihofer Baking Company in Capital District and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer or another asbestos-related disease, we urge you to contact us regarding your legal rights.