ERLANGER, Ky., Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Officials from The United States Playing Card Company (USPC), best known for leading playing card brands Bee(R), Bicycle(R), Aviator(R) and Hoyle(R), together with Governor Steve Beshear, and state and local economic development representatives, today celebrate the grand opening of the preeminent playing card maker's new office, manufacturing and distribution campus in Erlanger, KY. USPC is a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation (NYSE: JAH), a leading provider of niche consumer products.

The ceremony features a "card-cutting" for the new facility where 400,000 decks of playing cards are produced each day. In fact, the amount of cards produced in one year, if laid end to end, would wrap around the world 11 times.

"We are honored that an iconic company like USPC is choosing Northern Kentucky for its base of operations," said Gov. Beshear. "As one of the top 10 employers in the Northern Kentucky region, USPC offers hundreds of high-quality employment opportunities for Kentuckians. We are delighted to play a part in making this project a reality."

Commenting on the facility opening, Martin E. Franklin, Chairman and CEO of Jarden Corp., said, "Today is an important milestone in the growth and heritage of the US Playing Card company. Consistent with our 'Jarden DNA' operating philosophy, we believe that our continued investment in our people, brands, products, and our business processes, particularly in challenging economic times, strengthens our leadership in the markets we serve. This impressive new facility is the largest single capital project Jarden has made and underscores our belief in the future growth potential of USPC."

The state of the art 570,000 square-foot facility, located on Gap Way, serves as the worldwide headquarters of USPC's 500 employees and positions the company for further growth. The new single-floor bay facility enables the company to be more competitive, resulting in improved job security and the prospect of additional jobs for the region, while also greatly improving manufacturing and distribution flow efficiencies. Utilizing the latest technology, USPC is implementing innovations across its manufacturing operations, including superior quality paper, streamlined printing and premium finishing.

"We are applying new thinking to our playing cards and game products, so our new manufacturing plant and headquarters will help us bring those ideas to life more efficiently," said Phil Dolci, President of USPC, a subsidiary of Jarden Corp. "We are proud of our employees, as their dedication and support has helped make this new facility possible. The combination of a dynamic workforce coupled with the Bicycle(R) brand and innovative new products, is a winning combination. We have also enjoyed the support of and working with the Northern Kentucky economic development group. We look forward to Boone County being our home as we set out to inspire new card playing the next 100 years."

About The United States Playing Card Company

The United States Playing Card Company is the leader in the production and distribution of premier brands of playing cards, including BEE(R), BICYCLE(R), AVIATOR(R), HOYLE(R), KEM(R) and CONGRESS(R) playing cards. BICYCLE(R) has been the best selling playing card brand in the world for more than 100 years. Founded in 1867, the company manufactures markets and distributes playing cards, children's card games, collectible tins, puzzles and card accessories and is part of the Branded Consumables segment of Jarden Corporation (NYSE: JAH). BEE(R), BICYCLE(R), AVIATOR(R), HOYLE(R), KEM(R) and CONGRESS(R) are registered trademarks of The United States Playing Card Company. For more information, visit www.bicyclecards.com.

About Jarden Corporation

Jarden Corporation is a leading provider of niche consumer products. Jarden operates in three primary business segments through a number of well recognized brands, including: Outdoor Solutions: Abu Garcia(R), Berkley(R), Campingaz(R) and Coleman(R), Fenwick(R), Gulp!(R), JT(R), K2(R), Marker(R), Marmot(R), Mitchell(R), Penn(R), Rawlings(R), Shakespeare(R), Stearns(R), Stren(R), Trilene(R), Volkl(R) and Zoot(R); Consumer Solutions: Bionaire(R), Crock-Pot(R), FoodSaver(R), Health o meter(R), Holmes(R), Mr. Coffee(R), Oster(R), Patton(R), Rival(R), Seal-a-Meal(R), Sunbeam(R), VillaWare(R) and White Mountain(R); and Branded Consumables: Ball(R), Bee(R), Bicycle(R), Crawford(R), Diamond(R), Dicon(R), First Alert(R), Forster(R), Hoyle(R), Kerr(R), Lehigh(R), Leslie-Locke(R), Loew Cornell(R) and Pine Mountain(R). Headquartered in Rye, N.Y., Jarden has over 20,000 employees worldwide. For more information, please visit www.jarden.com.

SOURCE Jarden Corporation