Glue Dots International
Glue Dots International is a Wisconsin-based manufacturer of pressure-sensitive adhesive dots serving crafters, schools, home users, and industrial buyers across the US via direct e-commerce and major retail partners. It is a subsidiary of Ellsworth Corporation.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1997
- HeadquartersGermantown, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Glue Dots International does
Glue Dots International, LLC is a Germantown, Wisconsin-based manufacturer of pressure-sensitive adhesive products founded in 1997. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ellsworth Corporation, a diversified industrial adhesives conglomerate. The company's core technology is a double-sided, pressure-sensitive adhesive dot that bonds instantly to virtually any surface — including paper, foam, plastic, metal, glass, and wood — without requiring heat, solvent, or water activation. Its product portfolio spans core roll-format adhesives (Craft Dots, All Purpose Dots, Micro Dots, Mini Dots, Ultra-Thin Dots, Glue Lines), the Dot N' Go® handheld dispenser system in both permanent and removable variants, specialty formulations (Balloon Dots®, Candle Dots®, Flower Dots™), the Everyday line positioned as a household alternative to tape, and themed value packs (Hearts, Stars, classroom-ready sheets). Products conform to ASTM D-4236 non-toxic standards.
The company sells directly to consumers through a Shopify-powered e-commerce site (gluedots.com) and through seven major US retail and marketplace channels: Michaels, Walmart, Amazon, Hobby Lobby, Office Depot, Oriental Trading, and Dick Blick. Pricing is low-ticket unit-based, with standard rolls priced at $4.99-$6.99, Dot N' Go dispensers at $5.99, and value/multi-packs at $11.99-$13.99; free shipping applies on domestic orders over $29.99 within the contiguous United States. The company does not ship internationally.
Customer segments include crafters and hobbyists (primary), schools and education, home users, event planners and party suppliers, and candle makers. Marketing is anchored by a content-driven Inspiration blog and active social media presence across Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and Twitter. Revenue, headcount detail, and financials are not publicly disclosed; the company has no funding rounds, no acquisitions, and no recorded leadership changes in the available data.
Glue Dots International firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Glue Dots International
- Legal name
- Glue Dots International, LLC
- Website
- https://gluedots.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1997
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Glue Dots International is a Wisconsin-based manufacturer of pressure-sensitive adhesive dots serving crafters, schools, home users, and industrial buyers across the US via direct e-commerce and major retail partners. It is a subsidiary of Ellsworth Corporation.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Glue Dots International industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Adhesive Products
- NAICS
- Adhesive Manufacturing (32552), Adhesive Manufacturing (325520)
- SIC
- Adhesives & Sealants (2891)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Tapes, Labels & Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives (IMAEAGAJ)
Keywords
Where Glue Dots International is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Germantown
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Glue Dots International business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Direct Product Sales (E-commerce): One-time purchase model through the company's e-commerce website gluedots.com. Products are sold as individual rolls, dispensers, and value packs with pricing ranging from $4.99 to $13.99 per unit.
- Retail/Distribution Sales: Products sold through major retail channel partners including Office Depot, Michaels, Walmart, Amazon, Hobby Lobby, and Oriental Trading. These partnerships provide distribution into physical and digital retail locations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Standard Roll Products ($4.99-$6.99) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Dot N' Go Dispensers ($5.99) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Value Packs ($11.99-$13.99) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Specialty Shapes ($12.50) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Specialty Dots ($6.99) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels7 records
Glue Dots International product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Glue Dots International manufactures and sells pressure-sensitive adhesive products, primarily double-sided adhesive dots that bond instantly to surfaces without heat, solvent, or water activation. The portfolio spans roll-format dots, Dot N' Go handheld dispensers, specialty formulations for balloons, candles, and flowers, plus household and decorative adhesive shapes, distributed through direct e-commerce and major craft and mass-market retailers.
Product overview
Glue Dots International offers a comprehensive portfolio of pressure-sensitive adhesive products organized into distinct product lines. The core Classic Dots line includes roll-format adhesive dots in various sizes (Micro, Mini, Craft, All Purpose, Ultra-Thin), all featuring instant bond technology. The Dot N' Go® dispenser system provides handheld applicators for both dots and squares formats with permanent and removable adhesive options. Specialty Dots address niche applications including Balloon Dots (originally invented for balloon art), Candle Dots (for wick tab adhesion in jar candles), and Flower Dots (for floral arrangements). The Everyday line serves household adhesive needs as an alternative to tape. Value packs and multi-packs offer bulk quantities for classroom and frequent-use scenarios. Adhesive shapes (Hearts and Stars) expand into themed decorative applications. The company also offers Glue Lines® as a linear adhesive alternative to dots.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- GDI Adhesives: Trademark brand for adhesives. Referenced in Terms of Service as 'GDI Adhesives® and most other brand names in this Website are the trademarks or registered trademarks of Glue Dots International, LLC or our parent company Ellsworth Corporation.'
Products and services
- Craft Dots Roll Versatile 200-count roll of 1/2" permanent adhesive dots for craft, school, hobby, and art projects; bonds to paper, foam, plastic, metal, glass; acid free, photo safe, non-toxic, kid friendly.
- All Purpose Dots Roll Premium strength 300-count roll of 1/2" permanent adhesive dots for heavy and odd-shaped items including metal, plastic, glass, foam, and cardstock.
- Micro Dots Roll Tiny 1/8" diameter adhesive dots suited for small rhinestones, beads, jewels and embellishments; compatible with Diamond Painting pens.
- Mini Dots Roll Small strong-hold adhesive dots for buttons, wiggle eyes, beads, and other small embellishments used in crafts and school projects.
- Removable Dots Roll 200-count roll of 1/2" removable adhesive dots for lightweight items; detaches without residue; ideal for securing gift cards in greeting cards.
- Ultra-Thin Dots Roll Thin adhesive dots for paper layering and bonding photos to cards or scrapbook pages; strong bond on paper, foam, plastic, metal, wood, and glass.
- Glue Lines Roll 1" long linear adhesive format for safe and easy application on craft, school, hobby, and art projects.
- Poster Dots Dot N' Go Removable adhesive dots in handheld dispenser format designed for hanging posters without damaging walls or posters.
- Craft Dots Dot N' Go 200-count 3/8" diameter permanent adhesive dots with handheld dispenser for crafts, paper crafts, scrapbooks, cards, and school projects.
- Permanent Dots Dot N' Go 200-count 3/8" permanent adhesive dots in handheld dispenser with blue tint for visibility; adheres to paper, foam, plastic, metal, and glass.
- Removable Dots Dot N' Go 200-count 3/8" removable adhesive dots in handheld dispenser; detaches without residue; for gift cards, name tags, wedding favors, and photos.
- Permanent Glue Squares Dot N' Go 450-count 3/16" square adhesive format in handheld dispenser; provides immediate bond for vases, stained glass, and mixed media crafts.
- Removable Glue Squares Dot N' Go 450-count 3/16" removable square adhesive in handheld dispenser; repositionable without residue; ideal for photo boards at graduations, birthdays, and memorials.
- Everyday Roll Clear double-sided adhesive dots for desk, kitchen, or household use as an alternative to tape and glue sticks; movable for repositioning; works on wood, glass, plastic, metal.
- Everyday Dispenser Handheld dispenser version of everyday adhesive dots for easy application around the house.
- Balloon Dots Specialty 300-count formulation engineered for balloon art to hold balloons together; the original use case for Glue Dots adhesive technology.
- Candle Dots Super-strong adhesive for instantly sticking wick tabs to the inside of jar candles; no solvent or heat required; non-toxic, acid, fume, and lignin free.
- Flower Dots Specialty adhesive designed for delicate flower arranging with both natural dried flowers and faux flowers.
- Adhesive Hearts Red adhesive heart shapes in 10-pack with 360 hearts total; for attaching embellishments, Valentines, Mother's Day cards, frames, and scrapbook pages; removable, non-toxic, mess-free.
- Adhesive Stars Silver glitter adhesive stars in 10-pack with 360 stars total; for chore charts, gift boxes, and scrapbook pages; removable.
- Craft Dots Value Pack 600-count value pack of versatile Craft Dots on perforated sheets for easy distribution in classroom settings.
- Mini Dots Value Pack 600-count value pack of small 3/16" Mini Dots on 50 perforated sheets of 12 dots each; non-toxic, acid-free, lignin free.
- Craft Dots 3-Pack Bundle of three 200-count rolls of 1/2" Craft Dots totaling 600 dots; non-toxic, kid friendly.
- All Purpose Dots 3-Pack Bundle of three 300-count rolls of 1/2" All Purpose Dots totaling 900 dots; premium strength formula for exceptional holding power.
Companies that use Glue Dots International
Customer profileSegments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Glue Dots International technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Glue Dots International partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- ShopifycoreE-commerce platform provider that hosts and powers the gluedots.com website, enabling online sales, payment processing, and customer data management. Shopify collects and processes personal information about website visitors and customers.
- MichaelsmajorMajor craft retail chain selling Glue Dots products in physical retail stores across the United States.
- WalmartmajorMass-market retailer distributing Glue Dots products in stores and potentially online through Walmart.com.
- AmazonmajorMarketplace platform selling Glue Dots products to customers globally through Amazon's e-commerce infrastructure.
- Hobby LobbymajorCraft and hobby retail chain partner selling Glue Dots in their stores.
- Office DepotmajorOffice supply retailer selling Glue Dots products for both commercial and consumer use.
- Oriental TradingminorParty supplies and value retailer partner offering Glue Dots products.
- Dick BlickminorArt supply retailer partner selling Glue Dots through their retail and online channels.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Glue Dots International competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Bostik: Global industrial and consumer adhesives manufacturer (part of Arkema) serving packaging, construction, and DIY markets. Comparable as a broad incumbent in pressure-sensitive and specialty adhesives, though primarily B2B-focused rather than consumer craft channels.
- 3M: Global diversified manufacturer with major consumer adhesives brands (Scotch, Post-it, Command) sold in the same retail channels as Glue Dots. Comparable as a broad incumbent supplying pressure-sensitive adhesive products, though it operates across thousands of categories rather than specializing in adhesive dots.
- Henkel: Global adhesives giant owning Loctite, Pritt, and Pattex brands across consumer and industrial segments. Comparable as broad incumbent supplying consumer craft adhesives (Pritt sticks, Loctite super glue) through the same mass-market retailers as Glue Dots.
- Avery Dennison: Major pressure-sensitive materials and label manufacturer with consumer products (Avery labels, etc.) in the same retail channels. Comparable as a broad incumbent in pressure-sensitive adhesive technology, though primarily serving labeling and packaging rather than craft dots.
Direct peers
- Elmer's Products: Iconic consumer craft and school adhesives brand (white glue, glue sticks, glitter glue) competing for the same shelf space at Walmart, Michaels, and Office Depot. Directly comparable target market (DIY crafters, schools, hobbyists) with overlapping product functionality in adhesive bonding.
- Gorilla Glue Company: Consumer adhesives brand known for super glue, wood glue, and heavy-duty tapes sold at Walmart, Home Depot, and Amazon. Comparable in consumer adhesive category positioning though focused on heavy-duty bonding rather than craft-friendly mess-free formats.
- Beacon Adhesives: Specialty adhesives manufacturer focused on crafts, jewelry, and DIY applications including Gem-Tac and Fabri-Tac brands. Directly comparable as a niche craft-adhesive specialist serving the same crafting community, though concentrated more on liquid adhesives.
- Scotch (3M brand): 3M's consumer tape and adhesives brand competing in the same retail aisles with double-sided tapes and mounting squares (a functional substitute for Glue Dots). Directly comparable as a competitor for mess-free adhesive bonding tasks in crafting, home, and office use cases.
- Tombow: Japanese stationery and adhesives manufacturer (Mono correction tape, adhesive runners, glue pens) competing for the same crafting and stationery consumer. Directly comparable in adhesive runner/dispenser mechanics versus Glue Dots' Dot N' Go dispensers, targeting similar craft and office consumers.
Regional players
- ArtMinds (Michaels in-house brand): Michaels' in-house craft adhesives brand sold exclusively through the Michaels retail chain. Comparable as a private-label competitor offering lower-priced adhesive alternatives on the same shelves where Glue Dots products are stocked, putting direct price pressure on Glue Dots' retail SKUs.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Glue Dots International social profiles
Digital presenceGlue Dots International compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Glue Dots International financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Glue Dots International leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Glue Dots International funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Glue Dots International M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Glue Dots International
What does Glue Dots International do?
Glue Dots International manufactures and sells pressure-sensitive adhesive products, primarily double-sided adhesive dots that bond instantly to surfaces without heat, solvent, or water activation. The portfolio spans roll-format dots, Dot N' Go handheld dispensers, specialty formulations for balloons, candles, and flowers, plus household and decorative adhesive shapes, distributed through direct e-commerce and major craft and mass-market retailers.
Is Glue Dots International a public or private company?
Glue Dots International is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Glue Dots International founded?
Glue Dots International was founded in 1997. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Glue Dots International based?
Glue Dots International is headquartered in Germantown, United States, in the North America region.
How does Glue Dots International make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Direct Product Sales (E-commerce) is the primary driver. The others are retail/Distribution Sales.
Who are Glue Dots International's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Bostik, 3M, Henkel and Avery Dennison. Direct peers are Elmer's Products, Gorilla Glue Company, Beacon Adhesives, Scotch (3M brand) and Tombow. ArtMinds (Michaels in-house brand) is listed as a regional player.
Does Glue Dots International have an API?
No public API is recorded for Glue Dots International.
What industry is Glue Dots International in?
Glue Dots International's product category is Adhesive Products. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAEAGAJ, Tapes, Labels & Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives. Its NAICS code is 32552 and its SIC code is 2891.