KKK from China

Various retail stores in Brooklyn, New York are currently selling low-priced cigarette lighters branded under the name KKK. The lighters, some featuring patterned designs such as the American flag, are produced and exported by a Chinese based company called CiXi Sankai Electron Industry CO., LTD, also known as KKK Group.

In addition to electronic and flint lighters the company also manufactures BBQ gas torches and Arts and Crafts products such as photo frames. Located in Zhanghoi Industry Development Zone, about 200 kilometers from Shanghai, KKK Group maintains a production output of 25,000,000 electronic lighters each year.

When asked in an email about the essence of the acronym "KKK" and how it relates to corporate practices, company spokesperson name Ashley (last name not given) explained that the name comes from a Chinese idiom "Èýѐò¿ªÌ©", which means "peaceful", "stable", and "prosperous".

Affirming that the company operates at the highest ethical standard and bares no affiliation with the nefarious Ku Klux Klan, the spokeswoman went on to say that in this context KKK, or "Èý¿ª" is pronounced as "Sai kai" or "Three K". The company representative however did not comment on whether the mistaken association of the KKK Group with the Ku Klux Klan may have affected sales in North America or weather they have received other questions or concerns about their name brand.