Vandor Taps Star Wars, New CEO and More

Licensed goods manufacturer Vandor has revealed a number of new happenings, including a dual-licensed product line and signing of the Star Wars brand, as well as a new chief executive officer.

The Salt Lake City, Utah-based manufacturer plans to design Star Wars-branded mugs, glassware, coasters, flasks, wooden boxes, clocks and tin totes, signs and boxes related to the original film trilogy (Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi) in partnership with Lucas Licensing, a Lucasfilm Company. Vandor’s Star Wars products will debut this year at major gift markets and industry shows. Lucasfilm is currently prepping its 30th anniversary campaign for Return of the Jedi.

Vandor also plans to release its second Coca-Cola/Betty Boop-combined product line this year. It will span ceramic mugs, plates and bowls, tin totes, signs and boxes, clocks, coasters, glassware, figurines, magnets, ornaments and eco-friendly shopping totes. Vandor originally launched the Coca-Cola/Betty Boop line in 2000. The company has also paired other brands for products such as Elvis Presley and Harley-Davidson, Elvis Presley and Cadillac and Elvis Presley and Betty Boop.

Meanwhile, Vandor launched 91 new products as part of its 2010 “Where Legends Live” catalog, featuring stainless steel water bottles and reusable/recyclable shopping totes. There’s also a section devoted to its properties celebrating anniversaries this year, including Star Wars, DC Comics, Elvis Presley, Peanuts, Dr. Seuss and Muhammad Ali.

In other Vandor news, Tom Russo was named president and chief executive officer. He most recently served as business unit president at Acco Brands. Russo had also worked as vice president of sales and marketing at Kensington Computer Products Group and president of Outer Circle Products.

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