New Shredder Joins Ranks of Fashionable Appliances

September 12, 2005 - The computer, scanner, printer and fax machine used to be rare in the home, but now are as common as the microwave. They used to be bulky, unattractive and hidden away in the home office, however, now its designs are so sleek people display them openly with pride. In similar fashion, one of the greatest weapons against identity theft, the shredder, is coming out of the office and into the open with a fashionable new design and patented safety features. Let's face it, no HGTV designer was going to recommend a shredder in the foyer - until now.

Today, Fellowes, Inc., the nation's leading shredder company, is introducing the Powershred DS1 personal shredder - the first shredder designed, not only to protect your identity, but also your family's safety and home's décor.

The new shredder's proprietary Safe Sense technology ensures the safety of the user, including children and larger pets, by automatically disabling the shredder when it detects the presence of any living object. An electronic sensor surrounds the shredder's "throat," or what is commonly known as the paper opening, and shuts down the machine immediately when it comes in contact with the energy field created by any warm-blooded animals. Safe Sense is a completely new application of an existing technology - in fact, it is the same technology used in an iPod or touchscreen of a laptop computer - it is expected to revolutionize the shredder industry.

"Fellowes invented the personal shredder 15 years ago, but those machines were used primarily in offices," said Kristen Gehrig, marketing manager at Fellowes, Inc. "As protecting our identities becomes increasingly important, we recognize that shredders in the home are becoming as common as the blender. Shredders are evolving from being a piece of office equipment to a home appliance, and now consumers won't have to sacrifice style or safety to protect themselves."

Previously described as boxes with teeth, many owners kept their shredders hidden in closets and home offices, with the other utilitarian supplies. Designed to complement any décor, the new DS1 Shredder is tall and black with a silver, wire mesh basket. It offers a sleek and contemporary look and is ideal for any room in the home including the foyer, kitchen, home office, family room or den. It is also equipped with a waste bin pedal that opens the basket when engaged, eliminating the need for an additional trash can in the room. The five-gallon waste bin can be removed, allowing for easy emptying.

In addition to looking good, there's power "under the hood." It safely shreds 11 sheets of paper per pass, along with staples, paper clips and credit cards. The shredder features solid, steel cutters that provide cross cut shredding and maximum security by producing small, unidentifiable pieces.

"Combining safety, security and exceptional design, this product takes away all excuses for not owning a home shredder," said Gehrig.

The Fellowes DS1 Shredder will be available for $99 at major office retailers nationwide in October 2005. The DS1 and its innovative features will be protected by three pending patents.

For more information, visit www.fellowes.com.

SOURCE Fellowes