Pa.’s Zippo expects 500 millionth lighter in June

A northwestern Pennsylvania company that makes metal-cased cigarette lighters whose lids are known for their distinctive “click,” is on schedule to produce its 500 millionth lighter later this year.

And by ramping up production, Zippo is projecting it can make that happen on June 5 — the birthday of the late George Blaisdell, the man who founded the company in Bradford in 1932.

To celebrate the milestone, Zippo will produce roughly 60,000 replica lighters that day, each with a commemorative stamp. About 50,000 replicas of the 500 millionth lighter produced that day will come with the company’s well known brushed chrome finish. Another 10,000 or so will be made with gold-colored Armor cases to mark the occasion.

 

The chrome replicas will sell for $50 and the gold for $100 through the company’s catalog.