The Coleman Company, a manufacturer of recreational equipment, makes camping gear, mowers, and many other products. They are well-known in the industry. They are the biggest outdoor products manufacturer in the world. They offer a wide range of products, including soft coolers, pop up travel trailers, and water skis.
Coleman was initially a small company selling gas lanterns. The company soon expanded and began to offer a wide range of products. They were the largest manufacturer of oil space heaters by the 1930s. They were also among the first to market portable, gasoline-burning stoves. They are known for high quality products.
The company began manufacturing tents and canoes in the mid-1960s. They extended their product lines in the 1960s and became a trusted supplier of high-quality recreational equipment. In 1988, the company achieved record-breaking sales. However, the Coleman family stopped investing and decided to stop supporting the company's growth.
Coleman was bought for $545m by Mac Andrews & Forbes Holdings Inc. by a New York financier in 1989. The company was then merged with Sunbeam, an air conditioning and heating business owned by Jones. They developed a strategy to improve efficiency and reduce inventory costs together.
The company offers products for the residential, industrial, and resort-amenity markets. They are able to work with clients such FedEx and Landmark 24 Homes as well as the Georgia Ports Authority and Rolls Royce. They are headquartered near Chicago, Illinois. 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. Their total debt in 1996 was $586 million. They also experienced poor overseas sales force integration.
Coleman produces a range of home heating and cooling products, including hot water systems, generators, air conditioners, and camping equipment. They have also started to focus on younger consumers, targeting Gen Z. 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, the United States military phased out Coleman's airplane parts contracts.
Coleman was unable to sell gasoline-burning stoves or lights due to this. It suffered an overall loss of 70% in 1960. Coleman was a major player within the civilian products and camping equipment markets in the mid-1970s.
The company began to focus on outdoor recreation and camping in the 1980s. It began to provide advice and recommendations for customers. The Outdoor Expert campaign was created to help customers learn about different aspects of camping. They have also introduced hundreds more products.