Boston, MA 05/05/2014 (wallstreetpr) – Altria Group Inc (NYSE:MO) is a manufacturer of Marlboro cigarettes. It distributed 365,000 multi use flashlights in the month of March this year. It was distributed as part of Marlboro promotion. In the latest developments, all the flashlights issued for the promotion purposes have been recalled. The flashlights are reported to have a problem and are resulting in fire hazards. Till this time, the company has received 11 reports of fire hazards and two reports of explosions. The incidents have resulted in minor injury to two persons.
The promotion of Marlboro
The flashlights were used as promotional products for Marlboro cigarettes. They are manufactured in China. It comes with a match holder with 20 wooden matches inside the holder. The flashlight has five LED lights.
The fire hazard
The flashlights are resulting in fire hazards. The matches ignite inside the flashlight causing fire. It is a 3-in-1 flashlight with compass and match holder. There was removable foam kept in between the striker pad and the matches. Now the problem is, as soon as the matches get in touch with the striker pad below the compass cap; the holder can catch fire.
The warning issued
Altria Group Inc (NYSE:MO) has issued warning to the flashlight users. They should not use the product. In fact, they are advised to remove the matches from the holder and keep them in a safe area. Altria Group is making all the efforts to get back the distributed flashlights soon. It will provide a free replacement product of equal or greater value against the faulty flashlight.
The good or the bad
The use of flashlights as a product to promote Marlboro has backfired for the company. As of now, no major injuries have been reported. It is one of the examples where the promotional events can hamper the image of Altria Group Inc (NYSE:MO).
