Supplier News

Marc and Diedre Young of Peoria, Ill., have bought Zantech Inc., Trenton, N.J. Its catalog sales and training facility has moved to 7501 N. Harkler Dr., Peoria, IL 61615.

Zantech has been a leader in development and sales of test equipment, tools, materials and related products for the quartz watch industry for two decades. It was founded in 1976 by Louis Zanoni, who helped develop the original liquid crystal display technology now used in quartz digital watches while an engineer with RCA Laboratories. Zanoni received the “David Sarnoff Outstanding Achievement Award in Science” for his work.

At Zantech, Zanoni and his engineers developed test equipment used by major watch manufacturers. He will continue to consult for the watch industry and to operate his Trenton, N.J., TV station (WZBN).

Marc and Diedre Young have more than 20 years’ experience in providing repair, assembly, dial printing and related services to retailers and manufacturers. The Youngs say they plan to enhance Zantech’s product line and will continue to offer training in quartz watch repair.

Swarovski of Wattens, Austria, leading manufacturer of full-cut crystal, and Bloomingdale’s, the upscale retailer, have formed a partnership to merchandise Swarovski’s jewelry, gift and collectibles lines. The products are being presented in a new “Concept Shop” on the recently-renovated first floor of Bloomingdale’s 59th St. store in New York City.

Swarovski’s jewelry and giftware have been merchandised together in the fashion jewelry departments of other stores, such as Macy’s or Marshall Fields. But Bloomingdale’s effort is the first complete “shop concept” in which Swarovski incorporates its unique architecture in a first-floor environment. The Concept Shop merchandises Swarovski’s successful giftware (Silver Crystal, Selection and Crystal Memories) and its Jeweler’s Collection in custom-built cases with specialized lighting.

Sonali Corp., leading supplier of 22k gold jewelry in the United States, moved from Oceanside, Cal., to 1946 Kellogg Ave., Carlsbad, CA 92008; (800) 6SONALI (676-6254) or (760) 438-5909, fax (760) 438-8201.

Only 20% of what Sonali now sells in the American market is produced in the U.S.; the new 10,000-sq.-ft. facility will allow it to increase that percentage. Pat Patangay, president and CEO of Sonali, says, “We outgrew our offices in Oceanside. Consumer demand for 22k has been growing very rapidly, especially in relation to the rest of the jewelry industry, and we want to stay ahead of the competition.” Sonali notes that World Gold Council figures show demand for gold jewelry rising by about 5% per year during the last several years, while demand for 22k rose 30%-35%.

M.S. Kanners & Co. moved to 608 Fifth Ave., Suite 901, New York, NY 10020; (212) 767-0022, fax (212) 767-0402.

Jennifer Jiunta Fine Jewelry, a designer of black pearl, platinum and diamond jewelry, moved to 67 Inman Circle, Atlanta, GA 30309; (404) 876-2060, fax (404) 876-2062.

Tru-Kay Manufacturing Co. acquired the assets of Jewels by Marissa Ltd. effective Jan. 5, adding children’s and baby’s jewelry items to Tru-Kay’s product list.

The acquisition also broadens Tru-Kay’s product offerings, adding hollow gold to its gold and silver religious jewelry line and handmade, lightweight and European styles to its gold, gold-filled and sterling silver locket line.

Alan M. Kaufman, president of Tru-Kay, a privately-held company based in Lincoln, R.I., notes that the Marissa Barrows brand name will continue, as will manufacturing at Marissa’s North Attleboro, Mass., plant. Tru-Kay’s employment is expected to rise from 150 to 175 people year-round, and increase from 200 to 250 during peak times.

D.G. Jewellery of Canada Ltd. has acquired the assets of the wholesale jewelry division of Litton Systems Inc. for US$5.8 million in cash.

The Diamonair Inc. division, in business since 1969, is a manufacturer and wholesaler of gold rings, earrings, pendants and tennis bracelets set with cubic zirconia. Diamonair’s jewelry is available only through major retailers in over 3,000 locations including Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Burdines, Lord & Taylor, Filene’s Basement, Foley’s, Sears, J.C. Penney and Dillard’s.

The acquisition broadens the product line, retail base and market penetration of D.G. Jewellery, which designs, manufactures, and distributes stone-set jewelry for mass merchants, department stores, catalog showrooms, shopping networks and other high-volume retailers in Canada and the U.S.

Zippo and Harley-Davidson® Motorcycles announced that Charles Mead of Calvert, Ky., was the grand prize winner in their “Race to Vegas” sweepstakes. Mead and his wife received a free trip to the AMA Superbike Finale in Las Vegas in October.

Zippo, based in Bradford, Pa., sponsors the Harley-Davidson VR1000 Superbike Team and produces a full line of brass, chrome and pewter Harley-Davidson lighters, keychains and pocket knives.