Rayovac History

• 1906 – The French Battery Company is founded in Madison , Wisconsin .
• 1930's - The French Battery Company is renamed the Rayovac Company.
• 1933 - Rayovac patented the first wearable vacuum tube hearing aid.
• 1937 - Rayovac patents the first portable radio with high-fidelity reception.
• 1939 - The first leak-proof “sealed in steel” dry cell battery is introduced by Rayovac.
• 1949 – Rayovac introduces the crown cell alkaline for hearing aids and launches the famous steel Sportsman flashlight.
• 1971 - Rayovac is awarded the patent for silver oxide button cells.
• 1972 - The first heavy-duty all zinc chloride battery with double the life of general purpose batteries is introduced.
• 1984 - Rayovac introduced the Workhorse premium flashlight with its lifetime warranty
• 1988 - Rayovac introduces a new computer clock battery to power the real-time clocks of personal computers.
• 1990 - The Heavy Duty and Industrial product lines are introduced by Rayovac.
• 1992 - A new Workhorse Fluorescent Lantern is introduced by Rayovac to provide the consumer more light features.
• 1993 - Rayovac introduces Renewal, a reusable, long-life alkaline battery.
• 1995 - Constructed of durable polypropylene, the 2AA flashlight joins the Rayovac Workhorse flashlight family.
• 1995 - Basketball superstar Michael Jordan becomes the spokesperson for Renewable Reusable Alkaline Batteries and Power Station chargers.
• 1996 - Rayovac introduces a new “hands-free” flashlight called the swivel light.
• 1996 - Thomas H. Lee Company acquires Rayovac, and announces plans to go public.
• 1997 - The Rayovac Specialty Battery Line is introduced.
• 1997 - Rayovac makes initial public offering of 6.7 million shares at $14 per share.
• 1999 - Rayovac acquires ROV Limited, establishing them as a global brand with markets worldwide.
• 2001 - Rayovac introduces break-through 1-Hour Charger and high capacity Nickel-Metal Hydride Rechargeable Batteries.
• 2002 - Rayovac announces development of revolutionary new 15-minute rechargeable
  technology, I-C3.
• Rayovac introduces new Maximum Plus Alkaline batteries with improved performance.
• 2002 - Rayovac introduces new logo and new packaging.
• 2002 – Rayovac acquires European-based battery maker Varta’s consumer battery business.
• 2003 - Rayovac introduces new 15-Minute charger and rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries, using the I-C3 technology.
• 2003 - Rayovac acquires Remington Products Company, LLC.
• 2004 - Rayovac relocates corporate headquarters to Atlanta , Georgia .
• 2004 - Rayovac acquires 85% share in Ningbo Baowang, a Chinese battery manufacturing facility.
• 2004 - Rayovac acquires Microlite S.A. , a Brazilian battery company.
• 2005 - Rayovac acquires United Industries, a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer products for lawn and garden care and household insect control as well as premium branded specialty pet supplies.