Company profile: Baumgarten's--Color, quality, and innovation

It all started back in Austria in the 1800's, three generations ago, when Julius Baumgarten, together with his wife Rosalia began manufacturing fine papers for writing, envelopes, and doilies. During the beginning of WWII, Fred Baumgarten, Julius and Rosalia's son brought his family to the U.S. and in 1948 started the family business again. Through the current guidance of Jean Baumgarten, Baumgarten's continues to be a leader in innovative products.

A HISTORY OF INNOVATION

In 1948, Baumgarten's introduced the first hand-held pencil sharpener in the U.S., the DUX Pencil Sharpener. Approximately 10 years later, Baumgarten's introduced the first plastic paper clip, Plastiklips. Plastiklips remain the benchmark for other clips due to its superior design.

Other innovative items that Baumgarten's introduced to the office supply industry include vinyl coated paper clips, partition fasteners (the patented Clip 'n Hook), and Plastibands (latex free rubber bands).

As a company, Baumgarten's is unique. Through their factories and numerous contacts, they have been able to react to market changes quickly.

RECOGNIZING TRENDS

Over the years, Baumgarten's has not only brought many new, innovative products to the office supply industry, they have also been able to recognize trends and the opportunities that these trends offer the dealer. As the office supply dealer began to broaden his product offering, Baumgarten's introduced janitorial products, such as aprons and gloves to the industry. Likewise, they recognized that shipping and packaging supplies have a place in the office products industry and offered various related products.

As our world has changed it has become evident that security has become a significant concern for many offices. The number of employees and visitors required to wear identification badges is continuously growing. Baumgarten's not only recognizes this fact, but is able to offer the dealer a complete selection of identification accessories.

THE LEADER IN IDENTIFICATION/SECURITY ACCESSORIES

Baumgarten's has become the leader in identification/security products in the office supply industry with an offering of approximately 100 different items. These include but are not limited to lanyards, ID card reels, badge clips, self-lamination and ID strap clips. These products can be purchased directly from Baumgarten's or through most office supply wholesalers.

The company offers free promotional literature for use by any office supply dealer, as an aid in selling this new product category to their customers.

EDITOR'S NOTES: For more information, contact Baumgarten's at (800) 247-5547, or via e-mail at own@baumgartens.com.