Baby talk is in at Durham advertising agency McKinney.
The Triangle's largest ad agency announced this morning that it has been hired by Japan-based Aprica -- maker of baby strollers, car seats and other children's products -- to work on global campaigns that will incorporate both traditional and new media, including the development of a global Web site.
"A key part of this assignment is bringing [Aprica products] back to America," said McKinney President Jeff Jones.
Aprica, acquired last year by Newell Rubbermaid, which also makes Graco brand infant products, is the No. 1 stroller brand in Japan. It posted worldwide sales of about $122 million in the fiscal year that ended July 31, 2007. But Aprica's products haven't been available in the U.S. for years.
Financial details weren't disclosed.
Jones said the agency's latest client resonates with McKinney's 162 employees, many of whom are parents.
"It's hard not to fall in love with working in this category," he said.
Last month McKinney was retained by giant insurer Nationwide, the agency's largest account win ever. Other clients include Coldwell Banker, Gold's Gym, NASDAQ, Sherwin-Williams, Travelocity and Virgin Mobile.
Assistant Business Editor Alan M. Wolf joined the N&O in 1999 covering the business of health care. He became an editor in 2001, and helps oversee the paper's daily business coverage and Sunday Work&Money section. He lives in Clayton with his wife and two children. Reach him at 919-829-4572 or