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Newell Pushes Parker In China


welch

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Rumors of Parker's death seem premature, judging from this Reuters article about Newell Rubbermaid strategy:

 

 

BOCA RATON, Fla., Feb 22 (Reuters) - Newell Rubbermaid Inc is placing bets on $7,500 Parker pens and eco-friendly janitors' buckets as it tries to grow in emerging markets.

 

Newell is focusing on countries such as
and China after years of trimming costs and improving margins gave it the ability to even think about putting such a growth plan into place. The ideas discussed on Wednesday by President and Chief Executive Michael Polk mark a transformation at Newell, best known by many for its Rubbermaid storage containers.

 

"We had great brands but we weren't really unlocking their full potential," said Polk, who became CEO in July after serving on Newell's board for two years. "The more I dig, the more convinced I am that we have a lot of opportunity to grow."

 

<snip>

Areas where Newell wants to "win bigger" include a variety of items from pens to janitors' mop buckets.

 

 

 

<P dir=ltr><snip>

 

 

Meanwhile, workers who want to celebrate their success can do so with a fancy pen, such as the Parker Duofold Golden Dragon which sells for about $7,500 in China.

 

 

"Parker is on fire" in countries such as China, Polk said

 

 

 

<snip>

 

 

Full article at

 

 

 

Incidentally, The 2011 Anual Report seems to have a Parker nib on the cover.

Edited by welch

Washington Nationals 2019: the fight for .500; "stay in the fight"; WON the fight

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I sincerely hope they don't outsource jotter production there, then they'll be nothing but junk.

Too late, Jotter 'premiums' are made in China...

Increase your IQ, use Linux AND a Fountain pen!!http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk11/79spitfire/Neko_animated.gif
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I sincerely hope they don't outsource jotter production there, then they'll be nothing but junk.

Too late, Jotter 'premiums' are made in China...

This is a thread that has been rerun more than a few times in this forum. If you look at Jotter premium, Urban, IM, they are all at least as well made as their US or Europe made predecessors. Over the years the Jotters made in Europe and previously in USA had gradually cheaper components in order to reduce costs. China is now being pushed by NR for the simple reason that it is one of the few real opportunities for growing sales. Biggest decline in recent years has been USA where Papermate is booming. What does that tell you about who cares about quality and who goes for disposable, cheap and cheerful.

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I sincerely hope they don't outsource jotter production there, then they'll be nothing but junk.

Too late, Jotter 'premiums' are made in China...

This is a thread that has been rerun more than a few times in this forum. If you look at Jotter premium, Urban, IM, they are all at least as well made as their US or Europe made predecessors. Over the years the Jotters made in Europe and previously in USA had gradually cheaper components in order to reduce costs. China is now being pushed by NR for the simple reason that it is one of the few real opportunities for growing sales. Biggest decline in recent years has been USA where Papermate is booming. What does that tell you about who cares about quality and who goes for disposable, cheap and cheerful.

 

+1

 

Parker stopped making pens in America when Americans stopped buying Parker.

 

China and India are by far the largest markets for fountain pens and quality writing instruments.

Parker: Sonnet Flighter, Rialto Red Metallic Laque, IM Chiseled Gunmetal, Latitude Stainless, 45 Black, Duovac Blue Pearl Striped, 51 Standard Black, Vac Jr. Black, 51 Aero Black, 51 Vac Blue Cedar, Duofold Jr. Lapis, 51 Aero Demi Black, 51 Aero Demi Teal, 51 Aero Navy Gray, Duofold Pastel Moire Violet, Vac Major Golden Brown, Vac Deb. Emerald, 51 Vac Dove Gray, Vac Major Azure, Vac Jr. Silver Pearl, 51 Vac Black GF Cap, 51 Forest Green GF cap, Vac Jr. Silver Pearl, Duovac Senior Green & Gold, Duovac Deb. Black, Challenger Black, 51 Aero Midnight, Vac. Emerald Jr., Challenger Gray Pearl, 51 Vac Black, Duofold Int. Black, Duofold Jr. Red.

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The Jotter premium I looked at looked cheesy next to my UK and US made pens. I would suggest if they wanted my business, they would spend more time on QC. (I don't have a French made one yet, but I'm sure it will come soon!)

 

And If I'm willing to pay $30 for a Monteverde one touch, $19 wouldn't be too much for a quality Parker...

Increase your IQ, use Linux AND a Fountain pen!!http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk11/79spitfire/Neko_animated.gif
http://fedoraproject.org/w/uploads/5/50/Fedorabutton-iusefedora.png

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