The Zamboni glides on despite recession

What an interesting piece in the New York Times by John Branch about the continuing success of the Zamboni, the ice resurfacing machine that mesmerizes everyone at a rink. Click here to read the full text and below are some interesting tidbits I learned from the article.

• Between 200 to 250 Zambonis are produced each year.

• It takes about six months to build one. Each Zamboni costs at least $75,000.

• Frank J. Zamboni & Company is based in sunny Los Angeles, which surprises many Canadians.

• The company requests that the product be referred to as a "Zamboni brand ice-resurfacing machine." Hm...That may be difficult if not impossible.

• There is a band called The Zambonis.

• Each machine is numbered. The first was introduced in 1949. Numbers 2 and 3 went to Sonja Henie for her ice shows. The latest is Number 9,056 which is headed to a rink in Monterrey, Mexico.

• The first test drive for a Zamboni is down the tree-lined streets in a Los Angeles suburb at 9 miles per hour (see above).

And here's a short documentary on Zambonis by our multitalented friend Theresa Loong, who also wrote a book on the subject and actually got to drive one: