The Mysteries of TarGard Uncovered

At TarGard we are often asked questions like "Where is TarGard made?" or "How is TarGard made?" so today I am uncovering the mystery of the TarGard cigarette filter!

First, here's a few great facts about TarGard's history:

· TarGard was established in Burlingame, CA in 1963

· This year TarGard is 45 years old!

· The company has moved twice in it's history - once from CA to Grand Rapids, MI and then a second time from Grand Rapids to Traverse City, MI which is where we are currently located

· It is the only cigarette filter brand that offers 4 different styles of filters from disposable to reusable

· TarGard is the best selling cigarette filter system in the US drug store industry

- We have the best, most loyal customers!

Now on to the good stuff - A majority of TarGard parts and products are made in the United States and are actually assembled by right here in Traverse City by a company called Grand Traverse Industries (GTI)!

By assembled, I mean that the parts that make up our filters are shipped here to Traverse City and when they arrive Grand Traverse Industries takes those parts and puts them together. For example, they assemble the Permanent Filter System by joining the metal insert with the clear mouthpieces. They also run a machine that fuses the amber filters and white inserts together for the Disposable Amber Filters. And not only do they assemble all of the parts they also place them into their packaging and box them up in preparation for shipment.

This is the actual machine that fuses the amber filter mouthpieces to the white insert to make our most popular filter - the Disposable Amber Filters!


This is a container holding all of the filters made in one day which is about 15,000 filters!

Working with GTI is actually one of the best parts about working here at TarGard. To explain, GTI is not just another company that handles product assembly and packaging they have a very inspiring mission which is to provide employment, training support and services to persons with disabilities and/or other barriers to employment so that they may achieve their highest level of independence. GTI has a very inspirational mission and the most amazing staff of people! It is really an honor to work with them every day.



Here is Nancy, Don and Cindy from GTI hard at work putting the Disposable Amber Filters into packaging!


This is Mark, he operates the machine that seals the TarGard packaging together

That just about covers the history of TarGard and how they are made. Now I would love to hear about your history with TarGard! Do you remember the first time you bought TarGard? What made you try a cigarette filter? Please send me your stories - you can leave a comment or e-mail me at khoxie@venturi-inc.com.

Oh, and don't forget to vote for your favorite filter on the right hand sidebar!

Thanks for checking out the blog.

Kris, a TarGard Team Member and Loyal User

Coming up this week: Speaking of TarGard History.....stories from people who have used TarGard for over 20 years!

To learn more about GTI please visit them at www.grandtraverseindustries.com

To learn more about TarGard please visit www.targard.com