21st Century was founded by Tony Cataldi in 1977, as a two step distributor of Aladdin brand kerosene heaters and lamps for the eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey area. In 1980 21st Century expanded distribution to a national level. 21st Century led the market by developing a full line of generic wicks, siphons, and ignitors. During this period, 21st Century also added the DIETZ line of hurricane lanterns and a disposable butane lighter. As the decade came to a close, 21st Century expanded again with a line of BBQ Repair Parts and it’s accompanying Accessories Program.
21st Century’s success with the Dietz line was rewarded in 1997 when they became the
exclusive import distributor. The company also introduced a line of glass and metal oil lamps, privately labeled as “Glo-Brite”.
Further moves in the lantern market occurred in 2005 when the V & O brand of lamps and
lanterns was acquired. This gave 21st Century a stronghold in the marketplace.
In 2006 21st Century introduced its own upscale brand of barbecue accessories named “Just Grill It”. 2007 began and ended with 21st Century
introducing the sandalwood mosquito stick, the bug zapper line, and upgrading the packaging, helping making them a powerful presence in the lawn and garden industry
21st Century continues to strive to find new and innovative products for each of its categories and is constantly evaluating and updating selections to make the newest products available.
21st Century continues adding new items each year keeping its offerings current, and further expanding its line of BBQ grill accessories, propane fittings and hoses, kerosene heater wicks and accessories, hurricane lanterns, bamboo torches, ornamental oil lamps, wicks and lamp oils, in addition to the growing line of insect control products. With these changes, 21st Century is prepared to continue growing thruout the century.
21st Century services over 7000 accounts in the United States and Internationally. These accounts include True Value, ACE Hardware, Handy Hardware, Orgill Brothers, House Hasson, Long-Lewis, HDW, Menards, Emery Waterhouse, TSC (Tractor Supply), MidStates, Southern States, Mills Fleet Farm, Cimarron (Sutherland Lumber), Amazon, and many others. We are also a supplier in the gift and grocery industries attending trade shows, and having many products in nationwide catalogs.
21st Century, prides itself in Customer Service:
•Toll free service and technical hotline.
•Full service concentrating on the customer needs.
•Specializing in “hard to find” parts.
•Offering full container direct shipping.
•Providing powerful selling tools, such as catalogs,
cross reference guides, and display signs.
21st Century built and expanded its business guided by a simple belief: “We are rewarded only to the extent that we provide value to those we are privileged to serve”.