Zippo was founded in 1932 by George G. Blaisdell in Bradford, Pennsylvania. After watching a friend try to use a cumbersome lighter, Blaisdell decided to redesign the lighter. He chose the name Zippo simply because he liked how it sounded.
The company specializes in lighters, but has also manufactures knives, smoking accessories, perfume, watches, as well as heating devices for the outdoor enthusiast. In 2010, the company acquired a major competitor, Ronson Consumer Products, who also made lighters. In 2012, the company sold its 500 millionth lighter.
Zippo is owned and operated by Blaisdell’s grandson, George Duke. There is a museum to lighters at company headquarters. Zippo lighters have a lifetime repair warranty, regardless of ownership. Some lighters are highly collectable pieces, fetching thousands of dollars.
ZippoZippo was founded in 1932 by George G. Blaisdell in Bradford, Pennsylvania. After watching a friend try to use a cumbersome lighter, Blaisdell decided to redesign the lighter. He chose the name Zippo simply because he liked how it sounded.
The company specializes in lighters, but has also manufactures knives, smoking accessories, perfume, watches, as well as heating devices for the outdoor enthusiast. In 2010, the company acquired a major competitor, Ronson Consumer Products, who also made lighters. In 2012, the company sold its 500 millionth lighter.
Zippo is owned and operated by Blaisdell’s grandson, George Duke. There is a museum to lighters at company headquarters. Zippo lighters have a lifetime repair warranty, regardless of ownership. Some lighters are highly collectable pieces, fetching thousands of dollars.