The Zippo Promotional Products division is dedicated to providing the highest quality products and service in the industry, supported by the unprecedented Zippo guarantee:  "It Works, Or We Fix It Free."

"A lifetime guarantee on promotional products is unheard of , and certainly stands us apart in the industry," said Promotional Products General Manager Chuck Schreiber.  "Our confidence in the quality of our products allows us to make such a pledge, and that same commitiment will be evident in every way that we service the promotional products industry."

Mr. Blaisdell decided to refashion the Austrian lighter in the fall of 1932.  He fabricated a rectangular case and attached the top of the lighter to the case with a hinge.  He retained the chimney design which proteced 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 word "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, and from the very beginning, they were backed by Mr. Blaisdell's unconditional lifetime guarantee- "It works, or we fix it free™".

In the mid-30's, Bradford's Kendall Refining Company placed an order for 500 Zippo lighters.  These are believed to be the first company-advertised lighters produced by Zippo and are highly collectible.  Today, companies continue to use Zippo lighters as an advertising medium and Zippo "advertiser" lighters continue to be among collector's favorites.

World War II had a profound effect on Zippo.  Upon American's entry in 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 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.

Starting in the mid-50's, date codes were stamped on the bottom of every Zippo lighter.  The original purpose was for quality control, but the codes have since become an invaluable tool for collectors.

The launch of the Slim model in 1956 was a major milestone.  This version was designed to appeal primarily to women.  The first non-lighter product was a steel pocket tape measure, or "rule" as it was called, introduced in 1962.  Other items have been added and deleted from the Zippo line since the 1960's.  Many were primarily geared to the promotional products division.  The roster includes key chains, pocket knives, golf greenskeeper, 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 daughter, Harriett B. Wick and Sarah B. Dorn, inherited the business.  In the 1980's and 90's, 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 owns the company and is Chariman of the Board.  Gregory W. Booth is President and CEO.

In the 70's and 80's , Zippo greatly expanded its overseas sales and marketing efforts.  As a result, Zippo lighters are now sold in over 120 countries with Japan being the largest market outside of the U.S.

In 1993, Zippo acquired Bradford-based W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company.  Case is the manufacturer of premium collectible and sport knives, often designated "the world's most collectible knives". Case, established in 1889, has a rich heritage and many aficionados collect both Case knives and Zippo lighters.

The Zippo/Case Visitors Center opened in July 1997.  It is a 15,000-square-foot facility that includes a store, museum, and the famous Zippo Repair Clinic, where the Zippo lighter repair process is on display.  It has become Northern Pennsylvania's most-visited museum.

Perhaps one of the biggest influences on collecting is Zippo's ties to Hollywood and Broadway.  The Zippo lighter has been featured in more than 1,500 movies, stage plays and television shows over the years.  Zippo lighters have "starred" in such diverse productions as "I Love Lucy", "The X-Men", and "Hairspray-The Musical".  Often the personality of a character or time period being depicted.

In 2002, Zippo launched a major new product category with the Zippo MPL®, multi-purpose lighter, a refillable butane utility-style lighter.  Since then, several new products have been added to the Zippo promotional product line .

In 2006, Zippo production surpassed the milestone of 425 million lighters since Mr. Blaisdell crafted the first lighter in early 1933.  The lighter is ingrained in the fabric of both American and global culture.  In markeing parlance, the brand enjoys and 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.

Today, though most products are simply disposable or available with limited warranties, the Zippo lighter is still backed by its famous lifetime guarantee, "It works or we fix it for free".  In almost 75 years, no one has ever spent a cent on the mechanical repair of a Zippo ligher regardless of the lighter's age or condition.