In 1921, the plant was opened with 78 employees. In 1923, the Dixie Cup Co. began to produce cups for ice cream portions, opening the Ice Cream Dixie franchise. On the top of the factory was erected a giant Dixie Cup, which has garnered its own place in history. The design was changed over the years to reflect the changing style of the product itself. During the Hurricane Diane emergency in 1955, the cup served as a water tower to provide emergency water. It has also been reported that, since the Dixie Cup was lit up at night, pilots heading to the Lehigh Valley International Airport would use it as part of their navigation.