OUR HERITAGE, YOUR PASSION
Our history timeline presents how BIC grew from humble beginnings to the iconic brand we are today. Passionate about being part of the daily lives of millions of consumers, BIC continues to make simple, inventive and reliable products for everyone, everywhere.
1944
Marcel Bich and Edouard Buffard
In 1944, Marcel Bich (1914-1994) buys a factory in Clichy, France, and sets up business with his partner, Édouard Buffard (1908-1996), as a maker of writing instruments parts.
1950
Birth of BIC® Cristal®
Marcel Bich, believing in the potential for the ballpoint pen, adapts and improves the ballpoint invented by the Hungarian László Biró, and in December 1950, launches his own ballpoint pen in France under the BIC® brand, a shortened and more memorable version of his own name. The quality and affordable price of the BIC® Cristal® ballpoint pen means that it is quickly adopted by an increasing number of consumers.
1951
BIC in Belgium
BIC establishes a presence in Belgium, the first step outside France.
1952
Successful advertising campaign
BIC wins the French "Oscar de la publicité" with the "Elle court, elle court" advertising campaign drawn by famous French designer Raymond Savignac.
1952
Le Tour de France
BIC participates in the Tour de France publicity caravan for the first time. Participation continues in 1953, 1954, 1955 and today!
1953
Creation of Société BIC
Marcel Bich and Édouard Buffard create Société BIC to manufacture and distribute BIC® ballpoint pens.
