Charles Leonard, Inc. was founded in 1946 as a distributor of pencil sharpeners and stationery specialties. In the 1950’s we opened our own factories, producing Prestong prong paper fasteners, aluminum binding posts and loose leaf metals for ring binders. We began importing complementary products in the 1960’s, when Japan was still the low cost producer of binder clips in the Far East, and China was not yet open to the outside world! After purchasing Omni Office Products in 1987, we expanded our sources of supply throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. This dramatic expansion of our Office Supply line soon necessitated the establishment of CLI (HK) Ltd, to inspect and coordinate the flow of goods to CLI distribution centers as well as directly to the facilities of our customers.

The diversification of our customers enabled us to bring our import and distribution expertise to the School Supply and Retail markets. Recently, we have ushered in the development of the Creative Arts® line, aimed at helping children enjoy the creative process through the use of high quality, affordable Arts & Crafts products.