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HISTORY
Celebrating 110 years of luggage innovation
110 years ago, entrepreneur Jesse Shwayder founded a trunk manufacturing company in downtown Denver, Colorado.
Shwayder quickly recognised the opportunity in the growing luggage market due to the ‘Gold Rush.’ Meanwhile, the family
business has become a dynamic and world leading luggage company with several strong brands. Since its formation in 1910,
Samsonite has been manufacturing premium quality luggage and bags with one clear goal in mind: create durable and strong
products to meet the needs of travellers and commutors.
The global travel industry never stands still, but, through its 110-year lifespan, Samsonite has maintained its focus on quality,
durability and technical innovation. It has led the industry in using new materials, creating iconic designs and providing ever
more comfort. Along the way, there have been a number of notable “firsts”, as part of its tradition of innovation.
1910 1941 1958 1962
The Wooden Trunk
Jesse Shwayder, the company’s
original founder, redesigns the
basic wooden trunk with shiny
metal studs and corner-pieces
making it more eye-catching
and “strong enough to stand
on.”
Classic Attaché
The first ABS attaché case is
created for a new generation of
business men. This sleek case
soon became emblematic for
the early-60s Mad Men-style
executive.
Streamlite™
In an early use of a new cutting-
edge technology, the Streamlite
suitcase is clad in a lightweight
lithographed paper to create
a “rawhide” effect. Its tapered
shape is destined to become a
classic within the industry.
Silhouette™
The most advanced luggage
made up to that time, included
a new modern shape with recessed
hardware to protect it
from the wear and tear of travel.
1998 2004 2008 2015
Spinner®
Samsonite markets the fourwheel
Spinner, which could be
steered in any direction and
toted right alongside the traveller.
This innovation radically
improved mobility and convenience
for travellers as they navigated
their way through modern
airports.
Cosmolite®
Samsonite launches Cosmolite
as an aswer to the market’s increasing
demand for stronger
and lighter suitcases. It was the
lightest and strongest Samsonite
case yet developed. Its sea shell
inspired design became an instant
success and the collection
went on to win many design
awards, including Red Dot Award
“Best of the Best.”
Neopulse™
With the launch of Neopulse,
Samsonite further strengthens
its production capacity in Europe.
The Made in Europe label,
in combination with a strong
design and competitive weight
advantage are what made this
collection an instant commercial
success.
Xylem™
Introduction of the first
Samsonite suitcase in aluminium.
Its matching attaché would
go on to play a key supporting
role in the James Bond movie
“The World Is Not Enough,”
where it was used to tote bundles
of cash around Europe.