Lowepro
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].
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
- 2011 Developed the Ultra-Cinch Camera Chamber to protect camera gear and help prevent bouncing during extreme sports activities; introduced the Optics Series for birders and wildlife watchers.
- 2010 Time Magazine Awards "Best Trasvel Gadget of 2009" to the Lowepro Fastpack.[9]
- 2010 Launched a patent-pending S&F™ Lens Exchange Case 200 AW, a hands-free lens-changing bag; unveiled the S&F™ Audio Utility Bag 100 to help photographers capture sound as they shoot stills and HD video.
- 2009 Launched the Pro Roller x-Series, featuring an official Travel Sentry™ lock with universal cable and a premium Lock && Go System™ of security.
- 2007 Developed the industry's first photo backpack (Primus AW series) constructed of 51% recycled Cyclepet® material, a 100% post-consumer recycled fabric.
- 2005 Introduced the first two-compartment camera bag that combines waterproof camera protection with personal storage and a hydration system: the DryZone™ Rover[10].
- 2002 Launched the DryZone™ 200, the first waterproof camera backpack.
- 2001 Designed a rolling camera backpack with the pack harness on one side and the handle and wheels on the other.
- 1999 Produced the first of many new camera bags designed specifically for (DSLR) digital cameras. Lowepro produces the first camera/notebook backpack for photojournalists.
- 1998 Developed a comprehensive modular carrying solution: the Street & Field™ System; created the patented Film Drop AW with an aperture-like opening to safely store film.
- 1994 Won the IFAI (Industrial Fabrics Association International) International Achievement Award.
- 1993 Won the IDSA (Industrial Designers Society of America) silver Industrial Design Excellence Award for the design of the Orion AW Backpack.
- 1993 Developed the first OverLap Zipper™, an innovation now standard for camera bags.
- 1992 Originated the patented, built-in All Weather AW Cover™ that protects gear from rain, snow and sand.
- 1985 Introduced a Greg Lowe invention: the ergonomically contoured shoulder strap; unveiled the CollarCut™ harness, designed to provide more carrying comfort for a heavy load of camera equipment.
- 1977 Greg Lowe innovated with the use of plastic buckles on backpacks and camera bags.
- 1972 Introduced the first soft-sided, foam-padded camera bag, developed by Greg Lowe.[11]
- 1967 Lowepro founder, Greg Lowe, created the world's first internal-frame backpack in his Colorado garage Clark, Brian (1988). "Lowe and Marmot: How two Colorado legends have carved their niche". Outside Business magazine 13 (1). [12].
References
- ^ North Bay Business Journal. January 10th, 2011 Longtime camera bag-maker Lowepro expands in Petaluma
- ^ DayMen Canada Acquisition ULC, owned by private equity firm Brockway Moran & Partners
- ^ 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
- ^ In 1967, Greg Lowe invented the world’s first, close-fitting, internal-frame backpack.
- ^ Compass: Charting the Evolution of Outdoor Gear Lowe Alpine History
- ^ Marketnews: March 27, 2006 Daymen Celebrates 25th Anniversary
- ^ Marketnews:December 18, 2006 Lowepro Celebrates 40-Years By Saving the Polar Bear.
- ^ euroinvestor.co.uk Dec 10, 2010 The company's products are sold in more than 100 countries...
- ^ Time Magazine November 2, 2010 The Best Travel Gadgets of 2009
- ^ Photography Blog November 22, 2005 LowePro DryZone Rover
- ^ Lowepro - How An Innovative Outdoor Company Became the Top Supplier of Protective Photography Gear www.takegreatpictures.com
- ^ Clark, Brian (1988). "Lowe and Marmot: How two Colorado legends have carved their niche". Outside Business magazine 13 (1).
External links