Called BICs-using the phonetic spelling of Bich's name-the pens were of a simple design, nonretractable with clear plastic barrels, and sold for around 19 cents each. During this time ballpoint pens, although still very expensive, were becoming popular in Europe, and the first ballpoint pens were introduced in the United States, selling for $12.50 each at New York's Gimbel's Department Store.įirst Bich expanded his business to include the manufacture of plastic barrels for ballpoint pen companies, and then, in 1949, he introduced his own line of ballpoint pens.
The company was founded by Marcel Bich, who left his job as production manager for an ink company in 1945 to set up his own business outside of Paris, manufacturing parts for fountain pens and mechanical pencils. BIC's lighter is the top-selling lighter in North America, first popularized in the 1970s with the slogan "Flick my BIC." BIC also makes correction fluid and correction pens and has acquired a premium pen manufacturer, Sheaffer. One of BIC's most prominent products is its clear plastic ballpoint. Pens comprise about half of the company's production, as well as half of its sales and earnings. Its pens, lighters, and shavers are typically the most affordable in their category, retailing for less than other brands. BIC's products are primarily low-cost plastic items. Petersburg, Florida Guatemala City, Guatemala and Cuautitlan, Mexico. BIC has extensive manufacturing facilities in North and South America, including in Toronto, Canada Milford, Connecticut Clearwater and St. It is also an industry leader in the production of disposable shavers. Bic's aim is to provide consumers with top quality products for their day-to-day lives at the minimum fair price.īIC Corporation is the country's leading manufacturer of disposable ballpoint pens and cigarette lighters. Bic monitors the entire manufacturing process, giving constant attention to the development and improvement of its products. SICs: 3951 Pens & Mechanical Pencils 3999 Manufacturing Industries, Not Elsewhere Classified 3421 Cutleryīic's core activities are the manufacture and sale of stationery products, lighters and shavers. Incorporated: 1958 as Waterman-BIC Pen Corporation 86% Owned Subsidiary of Société BIC, S.A.
0 kommentar(er)
