The world’s oldest family companies

[Diana]

http://www.familybusinessmagazine.com/oldworld.html

32. Zildjian Cymbal Co.

Cymbals/Norwell, Mass.

Founded: 1623

14th generation

www.zildjian.com

Founded in Constantinople by an alchemist named Avedis I, who discovered an extremely musical metal alloy to create powerful, durable cymbals. The sultan named him “Zildjian,” Armenian for “cymbalsmith.” The family arrived in the U.S. in 1909, in time for Avedis Zildjian III to establish ties with the hot new jazz drummers of the day. His son Armand (1921-2002) created modern factory. Today his daughters Craigie (CEO) and Debbie (VP/human resources) run the company, the first women chiefs in the firm’s long history.

:diana: