MIAMI, FL--(Marketwired - Oct 2, 2014) - VMR Products, a global leader in the electronic cigarette industry and the makers of V2®, one of the nation's leading brands of electronic cigarette products, today announced a partnership with Republic Technologies International (RTI), a global manufacturer and distributor of rolling papers and smoking accessories, to launch a new line of advanced vaporizers for the EU market. The new line of vaporizers will be manufactured by VMR and distributed by RTI under the OCB brand.
OCB is renowned among the EU's "Roll Your Own" and "Make Your Own" markets, with a strong presence across France, Spain, Germany and Austria. OCB is also well-known for its decorated holograph motif and innovative products. It is, without a doubt, the EU's most modern brand of rolling papers today.
Following the success of VMR's recently launched V2 Pro vaporizer, the fastest-selling product in the company's history, the new line of OCB-branded devices will be designed for the emerging large-scale vapor device category. Models will feature the ability to vaporize e-liquid, loose leaf tobacco, and wax. The multi-medium devices are expected to be one of the most disruptive innovations to enter the vaporizer category in the EU.
The partnership marries VMR's impressive technology with RTI's unparalleled distribution network, which reaches more than 800,000 locations across Europe. The OCB vaporizer line will be gradually rolled out across that network over the next year, with one million devices expected to be sold by 2016.
"By partnering with RTI, we can quickly scale across the EU, bringing European consumers the first-rate technology and experience that VMR is known for," said Jan Verleur, CEO and co-founder of VMR. "Abroad, we've seen consumers demand larger, open system devices that are naturally more customizable and powerful than their closed system counterparts. We're eager to meet that growing demand with RTI's expansive distribution network and the OCB brand."
The new OCB vaporizers will feature several industry innovations, such as a one-piece aluminum body with drop-in cartridges to eliminate the breakage and leakage that plague traditional large-scale devices. The cartridges will couple to the vaporizers magnetically -- rather than with threading -- and will be "smart," automatically controlling temperature. The vaporizers will also feature a breakaway magnetic charger that permits usage of the devices while plugged into a power source.
"We're combining VMR's excellence in product design and manufacturing with RTI's record of popular, world-class products in the 'Roll Your Own' and 'Make Your Own' markets," said Santiago Sanchez, Managing Director of Republic Technologies International. "Through this partnership, we can provide OCB customers who want high-performing vaporizers with a proven winner at both retail and online."
"Earlier this month the new line of OCB Premium Vaporizers was launched at InterTabac, the world's largest trade show for tobacco products, and has already generated tremendous interest," continued Sanchez. "Traditional outlets such as retailers and tobacco shops will benefit from the availability of this breakthrough technology, allowing them to create a distinctive market advantage."
About VMR Products
Founded in 2009, VMR Products LLC ™ has quickly become a global leader in the electronic cigarette industry. Famous for the V2® brand of electronic cigarette products, VMR designs, manufactures, and supports an expanding catalog of products under a variety of recognized brand names. Headquartered in Miami, the company has a global presence in more than 30 countries. VMR is the only vertically integrated electronic cigarette company, managing the entire product lifecycle to ensure the highest commitment to quality control and customer service. VMR is the world's largest volume online retailer of electronic cigarettes, with over six million monthly visitors to the company's websites, including v2.com the company's flagship online store.
For more information on VMR Products, please visit: www.vmrproducts.com
About Republic Technologies International
Member of Republic Group since 2000, RTI's origins goes back to the early 19th century and is the joint history of a number of companies that have met and joined forces over the years. Based in Perpignan, in the South of France, the company distributes its products in more than 100 countries being a key player in the growing roll-your-own and make-your-own sectors. RTI has factories in France, Spain, Austria and Canada and distribution companies in France, Germany, Austria and UK.
Owner of a number of well-known iconic brands, the company has positioned the OCB® trademark as the indisputable leader in Europe. RTI designs, manufactures and distributes the largest range of products in the category:
- The world famous French manufactured rolling papers: JOB®, Zig-Zag®, OCB® and traditional Swan® products in Great Britain and Ireland.
- A complete range of RYO/MYO products : filter tubes, filter tips, rolling machines, injectors, e-liquids and e-vape products under brands : JOB®, Zig-Zag®, OCB®, Rolling®, Altesse®, Memphis®, e-CG®, Swan® (for Great Britain & Ireland).
For more information on RTI Products, please visit: www.republic-technologies.com