Rayovac Improves Ultra Pro Alkaline Batteries
Contact:
Christine McCoy
608/275-3340
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RAYOVAC IMPROVES ULTRA PRO ALKALINE BATTERIES
Rayovac Proven to Last as Long as Competitors Based on ANSI Data Testing
MADISON, Wisconsin, May 25, 2011 – Continuing its tradition of providing well performing, high value products for its customers that match or exceed competitor product performance, Rayovac announced today that its line of Ultra Pro alkaline batteries now lasts longer than its previous alkaline batteries based upon American National Standards Institute (ANSI) service life tests and more rigorous continuous drain testing applications.
American National Standards Institute Testing
As the voice of the U.S. standards and conformity assessment system, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States. Rayovac has been proven to last as long as its competitors, Duracell® CopperTop and Energizer Max®, based on the average results of battery testing following the ANSI protocol. From October 2010 to April 2011 production, Rayovac Ultra Pro alkaline batteries have increased performance on ANSI tests by 5% on average in AA, 3% on average in AAA, and 4% on average in size C batteries.
Continuous Drain Testing
The Tech Center at Rayovac’s World Headquarters in Madison, WI also conducted continuous drain testing on the improved Ultra Pro alkaline line. Continuous drain testing (AKA “Constant Burn Test”) consists of turning a battery operated device on, such as a flashlight, and letting the device run until the batteries die and the device stops working. The continuous drain test is not included in ANSI testing because it does not reflect the way most batteries are used. However, Rayovac recognizes continuous drain as a common use of batteries in the industrial channel, and has invested significant resources to improve Ultra Pro performance in continuous drain applications. Current Rayovac Ultra Pro C batteries now last 23% longer and D batteries last 11% longer in the continuous drain testing compared with those produced in October 2010.
“Product performance is a top focus for Rayovac,” said Kim Olson, Director, Industrial, Government and OEM for Rayovac. “Without high quality performance, we wouldn’t be able to stand behind our brand.”
“This product adjustment is a significant improvement in the quality of Ultra Pro batteries and represents the dedication Rayovac has to providing quality products that match or exceed competitor product performance,” Olson said. "The continuous drain application is common in the industrial market so we felt it necessary to allocate resources to increase the amount of time that Ultra Pro batteries can withstand continuous drain.”
Rayovac Improved Ultra Pro – Page Two
In addition to improved performance, Rayovac’s Ultra Pro alkaline line has unveiled new enhanced graphics. Rayovac Ultra Pro alkaline batteries are the #1 selling industrial batteries among top industrial distributors. With their mercury-free formula, Rayovac Ultra Pro alkaline batteries are engineered for professional use with freshness guaranteed for seven years for AA, AAA, C and D; five years for 9V.
At Rayovac, manufacturing facilities perform the following quality checks to ensure customers receive a consistent battery every time.
- 280 in-process tests are performed on incoming materials and during cell assembly across all seven cell lines.
- 1,427 process control charts are used to monitor critical battery characteristics.
- 25 of the latest non-contact (vision, laser, camera) measurement systems are used to assess and inspect alkaline batteries.
- 125 performance and reliability tests are performed on finished batteries.
- Every single alkaline battery manufactured is tested for current and voltage twice prior to shipment.
- Battery performance and reliability is tested at various temperature and humidity extremes to provide aged battery testing.
- 2,319 AA samples are tested each week while making more than two million AA batteries every day.
- Product testing is carried out to seven years to ensure acceptable long-term performance.
About Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., a member of the Russell 2000 Index, is a diversified, global consumer products company and a leading supplier of batteries, shaving and grooming products, personal care products, small household appliances, specialty pet supplies, lawn & garden and home pest control products, personal insect repellents and portable lighting. Helping to meet the needs of consumers worldwide, the Company offers a broad portfolio of market-leading and widely trusted brands including Rayovac®, Remington®, Varta®, George Foreman®, Black & Decker®, Toastmaster®, Tetra®, Marineland®, Nature’s Miracle®, Dingo®, 8-in-1®, Littermaid®, Spectracide®, Cutter®, Repel®, and Hot Shot®. Spectrum Brands Holdings' products are sold by the world's top 25 retailers and are available in more than one million stores in more than 120 countries around the world. Spectrum Brands Holdings generated net sales of $3.1 billion from continuing operations in fiscal 2010. For more information, visit www.spectrumbrands.com.
About Rayovac
Rayovac is a worldwide leader in battery power and innovation. Backed by a long history of bringing the latest innovations to the marketplace, Rayovac offers a full range of high-performance batteries to meet the power needs of today’s consumers. From long-lasting alkaline batteries to advanced green rechargeable technology to the world’s top-selling, longest-lasting mercury free hearing aid battery, Rayovac’s state-of-the-art products offer more power for the money. The company also manufactures a wide selection of high-quality flashlights. For more information, visit
www.rayovacindustrial.com.
###