The Coleman Company manufactures recreational equipment such as camping gear and lawn mowers. They are a respected brand in this industry. They are the largest manufacturer of outdoor recreational products worldwide. They have a large range of products such as soft coolers, travel trailers with pop-ups and water skis.
Although Coleman started off as a small company that sold gas lanterns, they soon branched out into a variety of other products. In the 1930s, Coleman had grown to be the top manufacturer of space heaters for oil. They were also among the first to market portable, gasoline-burning stoves. They are known for high quality products.
In the mid-1960s, they began making tents, canoes, as well as other camping gear. The company expanded its product line in the 1960s, and they became a reliable source for quality recreational equipment. In 1988, the company achieved record-breaking sales. However, the Coleman family ceased investing in the company's market expansion.
Coleman was bought for $545m by Mac Andrews & Forbes Holdings Inc. by a New York financier in 1989. He then merged the company with Sunbeam, a heating and air conditioning business owned by Jones. Together they created a strategy that would improve efficiency and reduce inventory cost.
The company provides products for the industrial, residential, and resort-amenity market. They are able work with clients such FedEx, Landmark 24 Homes (Georgia Ports Authority), and Rolls Royce. They are headquartered at Chicago, Illinois. There are also facilities in Texas, Kansas, and Wichita. They employ over 4,000 people.
Due to the recession, Coleman saw a decline in its product demand. They also found themselves in huge debt. In 1996, their total debt was nearly $586 million. In addition, their overseas sales force integration was poor.
Coleman also manufactures hot water systems, generators and air conditioners. Their new focus is on Gen Z, which means that they are now focusing on younger consumers. They are known for producing durable products at affordable prices.
During World War II, they were a major supplier of heating and air conditioning equipment for the U.S. Military. They were also the biggest supplier of mobile homes with specialized furnaces. In the late 1940s, Coleman's aircraft parts contracts were ended by the United States Military.
As a result of this, Coleman faced a decline in its gasoline-burning stoves and lights market. The overall percentage of its gasoline-burning stoves and lights market also declined by 70% between 1960 and 1960. Coleman was a significant player in the market for camping equipment and civilian products during the middle of the 1970s.
The company's focus shifted to the camping and outdoor recreational markets in the mid-1980s. It began to provide advice and recommendations for customers. They have developed a campaign called the Outdoor Expert, which aims to educate customers about various aspects of the camping experience. They also introduced hundreds of new products.