BIC Graphic USA

BIC Graphic USA, based in Clearwater, Fla., today announced plans to close its facility in Atchison, Kansas, which will result in the layoff of 88 employees. The work will be consolidated into BIC Graphic USA’s operations in Clearwater and St. Petersburg, Fla.

After more than 30 years with BIC, Jack Teague, general manager of Clearwater, Florida-based BIC Graphic USA, announced his retirement effective March 1, 2009.  Teague will continue to work on special projects related to the graphic business, representing the company at trade shows, industry events and local community organizations through September 2010. 

Clearwater, Florida-based BIC Graphic USA (BGU) announced the company has no plans to institute a midyear price increase, even with increased fuel costs driving manufacturing costs up in all industries. BGU believes in helping distributors maintain good customer relations and business strategies. According to Jack Teague, president BIC Group Graphic, “As 2008 reaches its midpoint, the promotional products industry is dealing with a very competitive and inflationary marketplace. BIC Graphic USA recognizes and respects the relationship our distributors have with their customers, and the annual pricing commitments distributors have made as part of their business plan.” The current pricing will be held in

BIC Graphic USA was recently honored with the top award for Best Full Line Catalog in 2007, receiving the Gold Award by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI). This full-line catalog is viewed as a model within the promotional products industry, providing distributors with the one-stop-shop resource for all promotional products needs including writing instruments, flashlights, magnets, mouse pads, notebooks and adhesive and non-adhesive notepads and cubes; plus, a full line of bags, padfolios, coolers and jotters. In addition to winning the Gold Award for Best Full Line Catalog, Atchison by BIC received two silver awards from PPAI for exceptional screen imprinting. The first

Last August, Clearwater, Florida-based, BIC Graphic USA acquired Atchison Products, a supplier of promotional totes, bags, coolers and backpacks. After 13 months of discussion, due diligence, the completion of the acquisition and BIC/Atchison integration, principals Dan Fangman and Dolly Duffy have elected to exercise their option and leave the company, effective March 1, 2008. “On behalf of BIC, we would like to congratulate Dan and Dolly on their success in building a small family-owned business over 18 years into a recognized industry leader,” said Jack Teague, president – BIC Group Graphic. “We would also like to thank them for their hard work and dedication

In August 2007, BIC Graphic USA of Clearwater, Fla, acquired Atchison Products, Inc., a supplier of promotional totes, bags, coolers and backpacks formerly based in Atchison, Kan. Now, they announce the successful integration of Atchison Products, now rebranded Atchison by BIC. Atchison by BIC customers can now contact BIC Graphic USA for all their promotional product needs. “We’re excited to make this announcement today, as it is very positive news for both BIC and Atchison customers. Our main goals during the integration process were simplicity and a smooth transition with continued, uninterrupted customer service and that is exactly what we feel we have achieved

Clearwater, Florida-based BIC Graphic USA announced an exclusive partnership with Hong Kong-based Asian Sourcing Link (ASL), a supply chain management team with more than 20 years experience in the promotional products business. This partnership is exclusive within the promotional products channel in both North America and Europe. ASL will become an integral part of BIC Graphic USA’s new product development and category development by maintaining BIC Graphic USA’s commitment to product safety and compliance with international safety standards. ASL’s founding directors are the former owners of Hong Kong-based Marlow International, previously one of the leading global promotional product suppliers. ASL has sourcing offices in

WHEN IT COMES to the advancement of the species, mankind seems to have its finger on the fast- forward button. On a fairly regular basis, giant leaps are made in varying fields from technology to medicine. But for every move toward the next new-and-shiny improvement coming off the assembly line of progress, there is a quieter, and equally meaningful, reaction. No doubt, we like our cutting-edge toys, yet people still take comfort in and certainly continue to utilize items that are, supposedly, outmoded. Take car collectors. For every top-of-the-line Ferrari in the garage, there’s a recently rebuilt classic car waiting for its turn around the block.

Headquartered in Clearwater, Fla, BIC Graphic USA announced the celebration of BIC Ecolutions Day. “This day was dedicated to celebrating our company’s new green product line for 2008, called BIC Ecolutions,” said BIC group graphic president Jack Teague. “This launch further illustrates our continued commitment to sustainable development.” As part of BIC Ecolutions Day, both Progress Energy of Raleigh, N.C., and Pinellas County Recycling of St. Pete, Fla. visited BIC Graphic USA’s headquarters to educate employees on the different types of actions they can put in place at home in order to conserve energy and improve recycling methods. BIC is offering the

BIC Graphic USA, Clearwater, Fla., completed its acquisition of Atchison Products, Atchison, Kan., on Aug. 31. The deal will expand BIC’s products to include totes, bags, coolers and backpacks. As previously announced on Aug. 17, BIC Graphic had signed a definitive agreement to purchase Atchison, which posted sales in 2006 of approximately $15 million. Dolly Duffy and Dan Fangman, CEO and president of Atchison Products, respectively, will remain with the 125-employee company. Atchison Products will continue to operate in Kansas, and the company will retain its original name, with the addition of a BIC tagline. For more information, call (800) 255-6023 or visit www.bicgraphic.com