Quickie Manufacturing Corporation

The story of Quickie Manufacturing Corporation begins not in a boardroom, but in a home. In 1950, Bedros Vosbikian was frustrated when dinner was delayed because his wife was on her hands and knees scrubbing the floor. This everyday problem sparked an invention: the automatic, self-wringing sponge mop. A year later, Vosbikian, along with his brother Thomas, founded the company based on this innovative cleaning tool. The company, established in 1919 and re-focused around this invention, grew steadily. Under the leadership of Bedros's son, Peter Vosbikian, Quickie expanded its product line beyond the flagship mop to include a complete range of household cleaning tools like brooms, brushes, and dusters. The company established itself as a leader in the North American market, supplying major retailers and manufacturing millions of products annually. The business was a family affair, with Peter serving as the company's chairman for many years. A significant chapter in Quickie's history opened in December 2004, when the private equity firm Centre Partners made a strategic investment, partnering with the Vosbikian family to fuel further growth and potential acquisitions. This partnership culminated in a major event six years later. In December 2010, Quickie Manufacturing Corporation was acquired by Jarden Corporation, a global provider of consumer products. This acquisition marked the next phase for the company, placing the long-standing family-built business under the umbrella of a large public corporation, which was itself later acquired by Newell Brands.