Kaz Incorporated


Kaz, Inc. is a Marlborough, Massachusetts-based manufacturer and distributor of health care products.

History

Max Katzman invented the first electric vaporizer and, in 1926, he founded Kaz, Incorporated to manufacture and market it.
The expansion of the company – from a family business to a company designing, developing and marketing hundreds of healthcare and home environment products worldwide – came through research and development, acquisitions and licensing agreements.
For more than 80 years, members of the Katzman family owned and managed Kaz. In 1956, founder Lawrence Katzman succeeded his father, founder Max Katzman. In addition to serving as Kaz’ second CEO, Larry was also a Palma d’Oro winning cartoonist best known for drawing Nellie Nifty, RN for a series of books and greeting cards. Richard Katzman succeeded his father, Larry, as CEO in 1997.
In 2006, Julien Mininberg became Kaz, Inc.’s first President outside the Katzman family. He became CEO in 2010. Helen of Troy acquired Kaz, Inc. in 2010 and it continues to operate as a subsidiary. Julien Mininberg remained the company's CEO until 2014, when he was appointed CEO of Helen of Troy.

Awards

iF Design Awards

Braun No touch + Forehead Digital Thermometer
Braun Age Precision Digital Thermometer

Red Dot Design Award

Vicks ComfortFlex and SpeedRead Digital Thermometers

International Design Excellence Awards (IDEAs)

Gold: Vicks Underarm Thermometer
Silver: Vicks Digital Thermometer Family - Baby Rectal
Silver: PUR Advanced Filtering Water Cooler

Medical Design Excellence Awards

Gold: Vicks Forehead Thermometer
Gold: Vicks Digital Thermometer Family - Baby Rectal
Silver: Vicks Underarm Thermometer

Chicago Athenaeum “Good Design” Awards

Braun No touch + Forehead Digital Thermometer
Braun Age Precision Digital Thermometer
Vicks Underarm Thermometer
Honeywell Warm Mist Humidifier
Vicks Cool Mist Model V3100

Housewares Design Award

Vicks Baby Thermometer