Lowepro

Lowepro
Type Private
Founded 1967
Founder(s) Greg Lowe
Headquarters Petaluma, CA, USA
Products Camera bags backpacks, protective cases and equipment for photography, video and electronic devices
Website Lowepro Camera Bags Backpacks and Cases

Lowepro is a global brand of professional carrying solutions for cameras, laptops, imaging accessories and portable consumer electronics with corporate headquarters in Petaluma, California [1]. It is part of DayMen Canada Acquisition ULC, owned by private equity firm Brockway Moran & Partners[2].

Contents

History of the Company

Lowepro camera bags began as an offshoot of Lowe Alpine Systems, an outdoor equipment manufacturer founded by Mike, Greg and Jeff Lowe in the Denver suburbs of Colorado in 1967[3]. In the 1960s, the Lowe brothers were known in outdoor circles for their climbing, skiing and photography. In 1967, Greg Lowe invented the world’s first, close-fitting, internal-frame backpack.[4] Greg Lowe used the same design principles of his padded backpacks to create the Lowepro line of protective camera bags as he often carried photographic equipment on hikes and climbs in the backcountry of the Western United States. The first official camera bag was manufactured in 1972.[5]

In 1981, Uwe Mummenhoff and DayMen Photo Marketing Incorporated gained exclusive rights to produce Lowepro products under license in Canada. In 1989, Lowepro U.S.A. became a wholly owned subsidiary of DayMen Photo Marketing Inc. and was established as a corporation; the Lowepro registered trademark was purchased in 2002.[6] Brockway Moran & Partners invested in DayMen in partnership with management in October 2010.

Lowepro commemorated its 40th anniversary by joining with Polar Bears International (PBI) to help raise awareness about the plight of the polar bear and the effects of global warming.[7] A portion of the proceeds of the Primus™ AW (and several subsequent bag designs using recycled materials) went directly to PBI to help in their efforts.

The Lowepro brand mission is to build protective, fast-access and comfortable designs for professional photographers and enthusiasts. The design team collaborates with professional photographer partners to develop products that speed access, protect equipment and increase workflow efficiency.

Lowepro’s professional photographer partners, known as Loweprofessionals, frequently advise on design and field test products before they are manufactured for sale.

Lowepro products are distributed and sold in more than 100 countries and six continents[8].

Product Innovations

References

  1. ^ North Bay Business Journal. January 10th, 2011 Longtime camera bag-maker Lowepro expands in Petaluma
  2. ^ DayMen Canada Acquisition ULC, owned by private equity firm Brockway Moran & Partners
  3. ^ Lowepro camera bags began as an offshoot of Lowe Alpine Systems, an outdoor equipment manufacturer founded by Mike, Greg and Jeff Lowe in the Denver suburbs of Colorado in 1967
  4. ^ In 1967, Greg Lowe invented the world’s first, close-fitting, internal-frame backpack.
  5. ^ Compass: Charting the Evolution of Outdoor Gear Lowe Alpine History
  6. ^ Marketnews: March 27, 2006 Daymen Celebrates 25th Anniversary
  7. ^ Marketnews:December 18, 2006 Lowepro Celebrates 40-Years By Saving the Polar Bear.
  8. ^ euroinvestor.co.uk Dec 10, 2010 The company's products are sold in more than 100 countries...
  9. ^ Time Magazine November 2, 2010 The Best Travel Gadgets of 2009
  10. ^ Photography Blog November 22, 2005 LowePro DryZone Rover
  11. ^ Lowepro - How An Innovative Outdoor Company Became the Top Supplier of Protective Photography Gear www.takegreatpictures.com
  12. ^ Clark, Brian (1988). "Lowe and Marmot: How two Colorado legends have carved their niche". Outside Business magazine 13 (1). 

External links