In 1968, Fuller became a publicly traded company. By 1970 the company had become an adhesives industry leader, with twenty-seven plants and offices in the United States and ten in foreign countries. The goal Andersen had set decades before of doubling their sales volume every five years was still being met. In 1970, Fuller reached about $48 million in sales. Andersen retired as president and chief executive officer of Fuller in 1974, at the age of 65, turning the company over to his eldest son, Tony.