Parker Pen Company

Writing-instrument maker founded in 1888 by George Safford Parker in Janesville, Wisconsin (US). One of the two largest pen sellers worldwide from the 1920s to the 1960s; its best-known designs are the Duofold (1921), Parker 51 (1941) and Jotter (1954), and its innovations include the 'Lucky Curve' feed and Quink quick-drying ink. After successive ownership changes (Gillette 1993, Newell Rubbermaid 2000) the brand belongs to Newell Brands. The Janesville and Newhaven (England) plants closed between 2009 and 2011, with manufacturing and the company seat moved to Nantes, France.