500 Million Zippo Lighters And Counting

BRADFORD, Pa., June 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Zippo celebrated manufacturing excellence with the production of its 500 Millionth windproof pocket lighter. A historic milestone for the renowned Pennsylvania company, the celebration was made even more meaningful as it also fell on the birthday of the company's late founder, George G. Blaisdell. George Duke, Blaisdell's grandson and current Zippo owner and chairman of the board, presented the 500 Millionth lighter to employees at an exclusive ceremony and placed it in a new exhibit at the company's museum, where it joined other historical lighters, including the first Zippo lighter ever made.

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"Eighty years ago, my grandfather made sparks fly when he created the first Zippo lighter – 500 million later, I know he would be proud and amazed at just how much the company he dedicated his life to has grown and thrived," said Duke. "This is an extraordinary achievement and a true testament to his dream and vision. Today would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of our employees - both past and present - our distributors worldwide, and of course the millions of Zippo fans who carry on this legacy."

The actual 500 Millionth Zippo lighter boasts a classic brushed chrome finish with two-tone engraving, a distinctive bottom stamp indicating June 5, 2012 as the date of manufacture and a time stamp and individual serial number of "1" on the front of the case.

In celebration of the milestone, Zippo closed its manufacturing plant at 10:45 AM, allowing all 620 Zippo employees to take part in the ceremony. Following the final engraving of the 500 Millionth lighter, employees formed a human chain between the manufacturing plant and the company's nearby museum. The 500 Millionth lighter was passed down the chain, from employee to employee, and finally presented to Duke when it reached the museum.

To further commemorate the achievement, Zippo is dedicating nearly all production today to the manufacture of two highly collectible commemorative lighters: a 500 Millionth replica and a deluxe limited edition model. All lighters made today will feature a custom bottom stamp used only once, making them one-of-a-kind and enhancing their collectability even further.

Both the 500 Millionth replica and deluxe limited edition model will be offered worldwide in August via the 2012/2013 Zippo Choice Catalog. Additional information regarding the 500 Millionth collectible commemorative lighters can be found at www.zippo.com.

About Zippo

One of the most recognized brands in the world, Zippo was founded in the fall of 1932 by George G. Blaisdell in Bradford, PA, where it has manufactured over 500 million windproof lighters. With the exception of improvements to the flint wheel and modifications in case finishes, the product remains unchanged and is backed by the company's famous lifetime guarantee – "It works, or we fix it free.™" Zippo's diverse product line includes lighter accessories; butane candle lighters; watches, fragrance, and lifestyle accessories for men; and a robust line of heat and flame products for outdoor enthusiasts.  Zippo markets in over 160 countries and also owns the Ronson brand of lighters and fuel and W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company, both based in Bradford, PA.  For more information, visit Zippo.com.

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SOURCE Zippo