Click! Zippo runder 500.000.000 lightere
I juni rullede Zippo-lighter nr. 500.000.000 af samlebåndet på fabrikken i USA. Det imponerende
antal understreger, at den ikoniske lighter med det karakteristiske "click" er verdens mest
populære gennem tiderne.
I år er det 80 år siden, at verdens mest kendte lighter så dagens lys i Pennsylvania i USA. Der
er naturligvis - fristes man til at sige - tale om Zippo, den robuste og pålidelige messing-lighter
med det karakteristiske "click," når låget slås op.
Tager man og stabler samtlige Zippo-lightere siden grundlæggelsen i 1932, får man et "fyrtårn,"
som er 153 gange højere end Rundetårn. Sikke en udsigt, og bare rolig, selv om det måske
blæser på toppen, svigter en Zippo-lighter aldrig.
Med en halv milliard producerede lightere har Zippo føjet endnu et imponerende kapitel til sin
eventyrlige historie. Det store gennembrud kom under 2. verdenskrig, da den stormsikre lighter
blev en del af enhver amerikansk soldats standardudrustning. I flere år gik hele produktionen til
hæren. Der verserer endda historier om, at Zippo lightere har reddet soldaters liv ved at stoppe
kugler.
I det hele taget har Zippo haft en fremtrædende rolle gennem årene - også på det hvide lærred i
selskab med de største filmstjerner som fx Bruce Willis i Die Hard-filmene. Faktisk har Zippo
optrådt i langt over 2.500 film og overgår derved enhver Hollywood-skuespiller i kød og blod.
I dag er Zippo langt mere end leverandør af stormsikker ild - det er et stærkt, globalt brand
inden for ure, beklædning, parfumer, accessories og andre livsstilsprodukter.
Så 80 år efter, at den første lighter kom til verden med et click, er Zippo stadig fyr og flamme.
Forslag til billedtekst:
Kend den på clicket. Den ikoniske Zippo-lighter med det karakteristiske "click" kan i år fejre 80års jubilæum - tilmed i samme år, som lighter nr. 500.000.000 rullede ud fra fabrikken i
Pennsylvania i USA. Her ses jubilæumsudgaven til 899 kroner. Læs mere på zippo.dk.
Yderligere oplysninger:
Rikke Nielsen, tlf. 35 43 68 00, info@isbrandcompany.dk
Isbrand Company A/S, Smedeholm 13 C, 2730 Herlev, www.zippo.dk
Bonusmateriale på efterfølgende sider
What’s the secret behind the Zippo windproof lighter?
What makes it different?
Why is it such a phenomenon?
One simple reason is: the Zippo lighter is a mechanical device that works. Guys, in particular,
love this aspect of the product. It is easy to carry and is a simple, low-tech gadget.
At the same time, millions of designs have resulted in the lighter becoming a “badge product” –
meaning that the lighter is an extension of “me”. It makes a statement of who “I” am and what is
important to “me”.
Zippo Collectors
 Millions of people around the world collect Zippo lighters – they are easy to acquire,
compact in size, and tiny icons which showcase history and society.
 Zippo lighters connect people globally - they buy, sell, and trade.
 Zippo enthusiasts are members of 11 lighter collectors clubs world-wide.
 There are eight lighter collectors’ conventions held in seven different countries annually.
 Zippo lighters represent one of the most popular categories on eBay.
 The highest amount paid for a Zippo lighter was $37,000 (for an original 1933 model) at
a Zippo auction in Bradford, PA in July 2007 (previous record was $18,000 at a Zippo
Swap Meet in Tokyo in 2001.)
What led to its cult status?
 Outside of the U.S., Zippo lighters have a huge cachet. Since the ‘40s when American
G.I.s carried the lighters to countries around the world, the Zippo lighter has become a
symbol of American style, reliability and engineering.
 In most of the top Zippo markets overseas, the lighter has a brand recognition of 95%.
In Japan when consumers were asked to name top American brands they include Zippo
in their first responses with such mega brands as Coke, Nike and McDonalds.
 People like to identify with Zippo – there are more than 34,000 Zippo-related videos on
YouTube, and over 225,000 fans on Facebook. At the same time, over 18 million Zippo
enthusiasts have downloaded the Zippo iPhone app.
 The classic “Zippo moment” at rock concerts where lighters are ignited in tribute to the
band. Many concert-goers are now using the Zippo smart phone app for this salute
 A key Zippo attribute is sustainability
– It is a durable, refillable lighter made of metal and meant to be kept and re-used;
not thrown away
– It is backed by a mechanical lifetime guarantee
 Zippo lighters are fun to click.
Hollywood connection
 The Zippo lighter has appeared in more than 1500 films, not only as a prop, but in many
cases as a device to move the plot forward. Other appearances in entertainment are in
tv shows, stage plays, music videos and as a sound effect in rock tunes.
 Why Zippo lighters in Hollywood? The reason in the beginning (1940s) was that the
Zippo lighter is a reliable performer – it works and filmmakers counted on the consistent
performance. In later years the Zippo lighter has been used primarily because of the
coolness factor.
 For over 10 years custom Zippo lighters have been a coveted gift at Oscar’s number one
party hosted by Vanity Fair. In 2006, People Weekly called the Zippo lighter the best gift

at the party. That same year, the Zippo lighter appeared in every movie that was
nominated for best picture.
Some Zippo enthusiasts: Quentin Tarantino won’t make a movie without one. Tom
Selleck, George Clooney, Kiefer Sutherland and Matthew McConaughey are fans.
These A-listers know a good thing when they see it!
Zippo offers a range of products
 Zippo introduced a robust range of Outdoor heat and flame products in 2010. The
products are already favorites among hunters and campers. The Zippo Hand Warmer is
the Outdoor line’s flagship product and top seller.
 The Emergency Fire Starter, Campfire Starter, Hand Warmer and Outdoor Utility Lighter
have all been awarded the Seal of Approval of the North American Hunting Club. The
Campfire Starter won the Field & Stream Best of the Best award.
 Zippo also markets a broad range of lifestyle accessories for men including wallets, fine
writing instruments, and watches. A new range of Zippo fragrance was launched in
Europe and Asia in 2011 and in North America in 2012.
 Zippo offers a variety of multi-purpose utility and candle lighters for the home, hearth and
patio. The popular decorator series of candle lighters is available in four fashion-forward
colors.
 Other Zippo brands include the Ronson line of lighters and lighter fuel, and Case sport
and utility knives.
Zippo History
The story of Zippo Manufacturing Company is the story of its people, from the founder, George
G. Blaisdell, to the many Zippo employees, customers, and collectors who have played a part in
its rich 80-year history. Their loyalty to Zippo has made this one of America’s great companies.
The Zippo timeline begins in the early 1930s, at the Bradford Country Club in Bradford,
Pennsylvania. Mr. Blaisdell watched a friend awkwardly using a cumbersome Austrian-made
lighter. The lighter worked well even in the wind, due to the design of the chimney, but its
appearance was utilitarian. Its use required two hands, and its thin metal surface dented easily.
He decided to refashion the Austrian lighter in the fall of 1932. Mr. Blaisdell fabricated a
rectangular case and attached the top of the lighter to the case with a hinge. He retained the
chimney design which protected the flame under adverse conditions. The result was a lighter
that looked good and was easy to operate. The first lighter, currently displayed at the
Zippo/Case Museum in Bradford, was produced in early 1933.
The name “Zippo” was created by Mr. Blaisdell in 1932. He liked the sound of the word “zipper”
so he formed different variations on the word and settled on “Zippo,” deciding that it had a
modern sound.
The first Zippo lighters sold for $ 1.95 each. From the very beginning, every one was backed by
Mr. Blaisdell’s unconditional lifetime guarantee that “It works or we fix it free.™” In 80 years, no
one has ever spent a cent on the mechanical repair of a Zippo lighter, regardless of the lighter’s
age or condition.
Application for the original Zippo patent was filed on May 17, 1934, and patent number 2032695
was granted on March 3, 1936. A second patent, number 2517191, was issued on August 1,
1950. The design of the Zippo lighter remains basically the same to this day, with minor
improvements.
In the mid-30s, Bradford’s Kendall Refining Company placed an order for 500 Zippo lighters.
These are believed to be the first promotional lighters produced by Zippo with a company logo.
Today, companies continue to use Zippo lighters as an advertising medium and Zippo
“advertiser” lighters continue to be among collectors’ favorites.
World War II had a profound effect on Zippo. Upon America’s entry into the war, Zippo ceased
production of lighters for consumer markets and dedicated all manufacturing to the U.S. military.
The military initiative led to the production of the steel-case Zippo lighter with black crackle
finish. The fact that millions of American military personnel carried the lighter into battle was a
significant catalyst in establishing Zippo as an icon of America throughout the world. Supplying
the military market resulted in full production for the plant. This enabled Zippo to be strong
financially and made it a viable company.
At the end of the war, Zippo hit the road selling lighters to peacetime America. A promoter at
heart, Mr. Blaisdell wanted to create a car that looked like a Zippo lighter. In 1947, the Zippo
Car was born.
Zippo Manufacturing Company, Canada, Ltd. was established in Niagara Falls, Ontario, in 1949
to negate import duties. Outside of the main plant in Bradford, this is the only place in the world
where Zippo lighters have been made. The bottom stamps of lighters produced in Canada
reflect the Niagara Falls location and are highly collectible. Due to the implementation of free
trade policies in the 90s, a Canadian manufacturing facility was no longer needed, and the plant
was closed in 2002.
Starting in the mid-50s, the bottom of every Zippo lighter was stamped with a date code
signifying month and year of manufacture. The original purpose was for quality control, but the
codes have since become an invaluable tool for collectors.
The launch of the Slim windproof lighter in 1956 was a major milestone. This version was
designed to appeal primarily to women. The first non-lighter product was a retractable steel
pocket tape measure introduced in 1962. Other items have been added and deleted from the
Zippo line since the 1960s. Many were primarily geared to the promotional products division.
The roster includes key chains, pocket knives, golf greenskeepers, pen-and-pencil sets and the
ZipLight pocket flashlight.
Mr. Blaisdell passed away on October 3, 1978. He is remembered not only for inventing the
Zippo lighter, but also for his generous and kind spirit. After his passing, his daughters, Harriett
B. Wick and Sarah B. Dorn, inherited the business. In the 1980s and 90s, the company was
owned by six members of the Blaisdell family, including his daughters and their children. Today,
George B. Duke, Mr. Blaisdell’s grandson and Sarah Dorn’s son, is owner and Chairman of the
Board.
In the 70s and 80s, Zippo greatly expanded its overseas sales and marketing efforts. As a
result, Zippo lighters are now sold in more than 160 countries.
In 1993, Zippo acquired Bradford-based W.R Case and Sons Cutlery Company, manufacturer
of premium collectible and sport knives. Established in 1889, Case has a rich heritage and
many aficionados collect both Case knives and Zippo lighters.
The number of Zippo collectors and fans is extensive. It’s estimated that there are some four
million Zippo collectors in the United States and 11 Zippo collectors clubs worldwide. People
like to identify with Zippo – there are more than 34,000 Zippo-related videos on YouTube, and
over 225,000 fans on Facebook. At the same time, over 18 million Zippo enthusiasts have
downloaded the Zippo iPhone app.
The Zippo/Case Museum opened in Bradford, PA, near the Zippo manufacturing facility, in
1997. The 15,000-square-foot facility includes a store, museum, and the famous Zippo Repair
Clinic, where the Zippo lighter repair process is on display. It is Northern Pennsylvania’s mostvisited museum with thousands of visitors from around the world every year.
Perhaps one of the biggest influences on collecting is Zippo’s starring roles in movies,
Broadway shows, and television shows. The Zippo lighter has been featured in more than 1,500
movies, stage plays and television shows over the years, including such diverse productions as
“I Love Lucy,” “The X-Men,” and “Hairspray – the Musical.” Often the lighter is a key prop, used
as a device to move the plot forward or to reflect the personality of a character or time period
being depicted.
On the music scene, Zippo lighters have been raised high since the 1960s as a salute to
favorite performers, a gesture later dubbed the “Zippo Moment.” The famous Zippo “click” sound
has been sampled on songs, and the lighters themselves have been featured on album covers,
tattooed on rockers’ skin, and wielded in Rolling Stone photo shoots. With a rock resume like
this, ZippoEncore.com was created in 2007 to showcase the talents of bands across the
country.
In the fall of 2002, Zippo obtained trademark registration for the shape of the Zippo lighter. This
was a major milestone in helping Zippo protect the brand from counterfeiters. The lighter is
ingrained in the fabric of both American and global culture. In marketing parlance, the brand
enjoys an unaided awareness rate of more than 98 percent. That means 98 out of every 100
people surveyed have knowledge of the Zippo name and lighter without being coached in any
manner – an astonishing recognition factor.
In February, 2010, Zippo acquired the Ronson brand of lighters and fuel in North America.
Ronson also has a rich history dating from its founding in 1886 by Louis V. Aronson.
In addition to Zippo and Ronson lighters and accessories, Zippo markets these diverse product
lines: butane candle and utility lighters, watches, fragrance, lifestyle accessories for men, and a
robust assortment of heat and flame products for outdoor enthusiasts.
This year, 2012, marks Zippo’s 80th Anniversary and production of the 500 millionth lighter.
Zippo By the Numbers
In 2012 Zippo celebrates its 80th Anniversary and will reach the production milestone of 500
million windproof lighters (2nd quarter)
Annual production, approx. 12 million windproof lighters per year, 60,000 per day.
Total production since 1932, nearly 500 million
Annual sales for all divisions is approx 200 million
Growing sales - In 2011, Zippo saw an approximate 19% increase in global sales, U.S.
sales rose by more than 24%
Employees

Zippo, in Bradford, Pennsylvania, 548

W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery, 226

Total world-wide, 790
Per cent of business – US 40%, overseas 60%
Number of countries where Zippo lighters are sold, 160

Largest market overseas, China

Other major markets overseas, Japan, U.K., Germany, France, Italy

Fastest growing, China, India, Indonesia
The first Zippo sold for $1.95 and today, our base models start at just under $15.00. Pricing
depends on style, license and metal used.
Number of repairs since 1932, approx 8 million or 1.68% of production

US Repair Clinic, Bradford, Pennsylvania, annual 72,000 (established 1932)

Japan Repair Clinic, Aichi, Japan, annual 20,000 (established 1994)

European Repair Clinic, Emmerich, Germany, annual 54,000 (established 2007)
Zippo owns Case Cutlery Company, acquired in 1994, and the Ronson brand of lighters and
fuel (in North America) acquired in 2010.
For more information about Zippo, please visit Zippo.com.
ZIPPO DEBUTS 80th ANNIVERSARY COLLECTIBLE LIGHTERS
The Name in Flame Celebrates 80 Years of Excellence
Bradford, PA – September 21, 2011— Zippo Manufacturing Company, maker of the
world-famous windproof pocket lighter, will mark its 80th anniversary in January 2012, and to
celebrate, the company is introducing its 80th Anniversary collection. The limited edition 80th
Anniversary collection is highlighted by two beautifully designed windproof lighters and a four
ounce can of genuine Zippo lighter fluid.
“Since 1932, this company has been steadfast in regard to one principle that was laid down by
our founder, George G. Blaisdell – ‘build your product with integrity, stand
behind it 100%, and success will follow’,” said Greg Booth, Zippo president
and CEO. “Those words have driven our business and have positioned the
Zippo brand for growth in nearly every corner of the globe. We’re looking
forward to continued success and we’re proud to celebrate our 80 year
milestone alongside our customers and collectors worldwide, with the
introduction these limited edition collectibles.”
80th Anniversary Limited Edition Commemorative Lighter
Stylish bright cut and laser engraving accentuate the Black Chrome Armor
finish of Zippo’s 80th Anniversary Limited Edition Commemorative windproof
lighter. Only 41,932 pieces will be produced for worldwide distribution. Each
will be consecutively numbered and authenticated by an Anniversary Edition
bottom stamp, validating each lighter as a prized collectible. The 80th
Anniversary Limited Edition Commemorative windproof lighter is packaged
in a distinctive black self-display box with a padded red silk lining, and
retails for $80.00.
80th Anniversary Edition Lighter
Zippo’s 80th Anniversary Edition windproof lighter boasts the 80th
Anniversary logo color imprinted on Herringbone Sweep, a chevronpatterned brushed chrome finish. This anniversary edition is packaged in an
eco-friendly box with custom lid and display card. The lighter retails for
$29.95 and will be available throughout the 2012 anniversary year.
(continued)
80th Anniversary Lighter Fluid
Also available, while supplies last, is Zippo’s 80th Anniversary Limited Edition premium lighter
fluid. Available in a four-ounce canister, the fuel will feature the 80th Anniversary color logo and
supporting graphics. The 80th Anniversary Limited Edition lighter fluid retails for $3.00.
For additional information regarding the Zippo 80th Anniversary Collection, please
visit www.zippo.com.
About Zippo
Zippo markets in more than 160 countries and is one of the most recognized brands in the
world. Based in Bradford, PA, Zippo has produced nearly 500 million windproof lighters, each
backed by an unparalleled lifetime guarantee. 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 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.
Media Contact
Michael Tuntevski
M!KE PR
mtuntevski@mikeprfirm.com
201-806-3144