George Duke, Zippo’s owner and chairman of the board, raises the lit 600 millionth lighter in salute to Zippo’s employees on June 3, 2020.
Fanning An Eternal Flame
June 3rd, 2020 - Zippo, the iconic American brand and creator of the windproof lighter, has reached a milestone moment with the production of its 600 millionth windproof lighter. To mark this historic event, Zippo is launching an exclusive limited-edition design.
The 600 millionth lighter itself will be preserved and displayed in Zippo’s own museum in Bradford, PA for all visitors to enjoy, but fans can own their own part of the iconic brand’s history with the limited-edition collectible. Just the like the 600 millionth lighter that will be displayed at the Zippo/Case Museum, the High Polish Chrome lighter features 360° laser engraving, a color image 600 million logo and a commemorative bottom stamp used only on the day of production, June 3rd, 2020.
With only 20,000 available worldwide, fans can also expect premium packaging with a mirrored foam insert and a vibrant coordinated box and sleeve for a truly one of a kind memento. All windproof lighters produced on the day, including other designs, will be stamped with a commemorative bottom stamp that collectors can proudly add to their displays.
The production of the 600 millionth lighter continues Zippo’s trailblazing history of innovation that spans almost 90 years. In that time, the brand has been at the helm of American industrial innovation and remains a symbol of quality with its unlimited lifetime guarantee, promising all customers that 'It works or we fix it for free’.
In 2002 Zippo received its design trademark; followed by a second trademark in 2018 for the satisfying sound of the Zippo ‘click’; one of only seven trademarked sounds in the world.
The Zippo lighter has become a cultural talisman, from supporting the American military in World War II, to a starring role in more than 2,000 films, and the unforgettable moment of thousands of glowing Zippo lighters brandished in the air at concerts around the world.
It has been only eight years since the 500 millionth lighter rolled off the production line in 2012. 100 million lighters later, the brand has continued its spirit of innovation and diversification of the products it offers, with eyewear, leather goods and jewelry. More recently, the launch of pressurized lighter inserts allowed for the customization of the portable flame, from a rechargeable arc, to refillable butane torch options.*
Lucas Johnson, Zippo Brand Manager comments:
“Since its inception, Zippo has been at the forefront of industrial innovation enabling us to deliver a unique offering of products without comprising on quality. The production of our 600 millionth lighter is not only a celebration in our production capabilities but a moment to pause and celebrate all our milestones. We are delighted to commemorate this moment with the latest design to celebrate the 600 millionth lighter. We’re extremely proud of everything we have achieved at Zippo and look forward to what the next 100 million will bring.”
The limited-edition 600 Millionth Collectible lighter was first available on July 31, 2020.
*All inserts are sold separately from lighters. Consumers need to purchase a complete Zippo lighter, in addition to the insert, and assemble for their own needs.