JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – September 18, 2025 – Advantus Corp., a privately-held manufacturer of brands in office, craft, home and recreation, and luggage and tactical segments, today announced it is acquiring several iconic brands including Perler, Dimensions, Boye, Anker Play, and Eureka.    The strategic purchase adds additional craft, creative play, needle arts and educational products to Advantus Corp.’s growing roster of brands. Advantus’s strong operational background and growth strategy will provide a new chapter for these beloved products.   “The addition of these brands is a continuing part in our mission to bring high-quality, innovative products to our customers across multiple markets,” said Kevin Carpenter, President of Advantus...

Jacksonville, FL (October 25, 2023) – An affiliate of Advantus Corp. has acquired certain assets of OttLite Technologies, Inc., further strengthening and diversifying our product offering within the craft, hobby, home, and office channels. For over 30 years, OttLite has been the go-to lighting brand for crafters, sewers, readers, and anyone seeking natural daylight illumination. OttLite’s lamps showcase colors with incredible accuracy and are designed to reduce glare and eyestrain. From desk and floor lamps to magnifying options, OttLite’s products feature smart technology like USB ports, wireless charging, and color modes to deliver the ultimate customized lighting experience. “We’re thrilled...

Jacksonville, FL (March 1, 2023) – Advantus Corp., a privately-held manufacturer of consumer, commercial, and durable goods, announced today that it has acquired Charles Leonard, Inc., a leading provider of school, office and art supplies. “We are very excited to welcome Charles Leonard to the Advantus family,” said Kevin Carpenter, President of Advantus. “Charles Leonard’s products are a great complement to our existing portfolio, and we look forward to continuing serving their customers with the high level of quality and service they have come to expect.” “It’s time to turn over the reins to a company that can carry our...

Jacksonville, FL (December 13, 2021) – Advantus Corp., a privately-held manufacturer of consumer, commercial, and durable goods, announces that it has acquired certain assets of Artistic Products LLC, including the Artistic, NuDell, and Timekeeper brands. Rooted in the office products industry, Advantus has acquired over twenty companies in various product categories. “Advantus’ strategy has always been growth and continuous improvement. The acquisition of Artistic Products keeps us on our growth path and enhances our competitive position in the office products channel,” said Kevin Carpenter, President of Advantus Corp. “Advantus’ long history and stellar reputation in the office products industry have...

Jacksonville, FL (May 28, 2021) – Advantus Corp., a privately-held manufacturer of consumer, commercial, and durable goods, announces it has acquired specific assets of Victory Light USA LLC, a designer and developer of office and decor products, including home and office lighting, document frames and clocks. Based in Franklin Park, Illinois, the purchase of Victory Light further increases Advantus’s market presence in the Office Product channel. “The addition of Victory Light further diversifies and expands our extensive office products portfolio,” said Kevin Carpenter, President of Advantus Corp. “I have every confidence Advantus will be an excellent steward of the legacy...

Jacksonville, FL (January 11, 2021) – Advantus Corp., a privately-held manufacturer of consumer, commercial, and durable goods, announces it has acquired Art 101, a premier designer and manufacturer of art sets and supplies. As part of the agreement, Advantus will acquire both the Dallas, Texas and Hong Kong operations. Over the past decade, Art 101 has earned an excellent reputation for quality creative tools and art supplies for artists of all ages and experience levels. Best known for its extensive art sets, Art 101 also offers a variety of DIY kits, paints, brush pens, markers, and colored pencils. “Advantus is...

Jacksonville, FL (November 30, 2020) – Advantus Corp., a privately-held manufacturer of consumer, commercial, and durable goods, has acquired Hopkins Sales Company, a leading supplier of licensed souvenir and novelty gifts products. Hopkins is known for a wide variety of licensed military souvenirs and novelty gifts, including brass keychains, logoed decals, bumper stickers, magnets, and mugs. The current product line will become an extension of Advantus’ existing brand, Mercury Tactical Gear. Zach Mitchell, executive vice-president of Advantus, said, “Hopkins is the perfect extension to the brand, and we are thrilled to continue to supply these popular products to our current...

Jacksonville, FL (February, 16 2018) – Advantus Corp., a privately-held manufacturer of consumer, commercial, and durable goods, announces it has acquired the assets of Bluelounge, a premier designer and manufacturer of cable management and related products. Over the past decade, Bluelounge has earned an excellent reputation for innovation and design, including more than a dozen design awards, patents and distribution in over 46 countries. They are best known for cable management products, but have expanded their product line to include other solution-driven products with a strong emphasis on organization for smart phones, tablets and computers. Advantus Corp. currently manufactures thousands...

Jacksonville, FL (September 1, 2017) – Advantus Corp., a manufacturer of consumer, commercial, and durable goods, announces it has acquired the assets of Wyla Inc., a premier supplier of high quality tulle, lace and fabrics. “Wyla Inc. has an excellent reputation in high quality, innovative products. Their focus is centered on the customer and providing on-trend, designer craft materials. With the new acquisition of Wyla Inc., we will continue our business growth and expand our product offering for our customers,” said Kevin Carpenter, President of Advantus. Advantus Corp.’s rich manufacturing history of leading craft and hobby brands, such as Tim...

Jacksonville, FL (August 1, 2016) – Advantus Corp., a manufacturer of consumer, commercial, and durable goods, has acquired Mercury Luggage Manufacturing Company, a premier supplier of high quality luggage, sport and specialty bags, lockers and trunks for the military and retail product markets. “Mercury Luggage has an excellent reputation in craftsmanship, quality and fair pricing. Their focus is centered on the customer. We look forward to continuing and building on this tradition to develop and deliver great products with great service to our current and new customers,” said Kevin Carpenter, President of Advantus. Advantus Corp.’s rich product manufacturing history, with...