Founded in 1923,
ScriptoŽ is distinguished by a rich history rooted in early 20th century American
ingenuity. In 1923, M.A. Ferst invented the world's first mechanical pencil,
thus beginning the legacy that made the ScriptoŽ mechanical pencil an American
icon. Although much has changed over the past 80 years, Scripto still
maintains Mr. Ferst's vision of innovation with purpose, a principle that is
reflected in fine products at exceptional values.
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY
1923: M.A. Ferst invents the first mechanical pencil. The M.A. Ferst
Company, a major supplier of graphite pencil leads, introduces a new mechanical
marvel with a simple mechanism to propel and repel lead.
1924: Company name changed to ScriptoŽ (Latin for "I Write") Manufacturing
Company.
1955: ScriptoŽ enters the refillable cigarette lighter business with the
introduction of the "Vu-LighterŽ", a transparent lighter.
1957: Acquires Anja Engineering Corporation, an international leader as a
supplier of writing instruments, writing instrument components and writing
instrument production and test equipment.
1974: Tokai-Seiki, a Japanese manufacturer of high quality disposable
cigarette lighters partners with the ScriptoŽ Manufacturing Corporation.
Disposable cigarette lighters, produced by Tokai, carry the ScriptoŽ name for
the first time.
1980: ScriptoŽ introduces the world's first disposable erasable pen.
1984: Tokai-Seiki, now known as Tokai Corporation, becomes the official
ScriptoŽ owner.
1988: Company name becomes Scripto-Tokai Corporation with corporate
headquarters in California and manufacturing operations in Tijuana and Cuernavaca, Mexico.
2000: The ScriptoŽ name is recognized by consumers across the United States.
ScriptoŽ Utility Lighters are the #1 selling utility lighters in the market*.
ScriptoŽ electronic cigarette lighters are the leading electric lighters in the
market*. All ScriptoŽ cigarette Lighters combined are the second best selling
lighters in the market. ScriptoŽ Writing Instruments continue to represent an
important part of our growing business.