Cameron Balloons
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manufacturing, Hot air balloons |
| Founded | 1 January 1971 in Bristol, England |
| Founder | Don Cameron |
| Headquarters | Bristol , England |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Don Cameron (founder) |
| Products | Hot air balloons, special-shaped balloons |
| Website | www |
Cameron Balloons
Cameron Balloons is a company founded in 1971 in Bristol, England, by Don Cameron, specialising in the production of hot air balloons. Prior to this, Cameron and his associates had built ten hot air balloons under the Omega brand. Initially, manufacturing took place in the basement of Cameron's residence before relocating in 1972 to a former church within Bristol. In 1983, the company established its operations at its present location, occupying the old Robinsons paper bag and printing factory constructed in 1887, situated in the Bedminster district. The firm was honoured with the Queen's Award for Export in 1989.
Annual output has expanded to approximately 110 balloons. As of December 2007, Cameron Balloons accounted for 1,073 out of the total 1,553 hot air balloons registered with the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority.
The company is renowned for its production of special-shaped balloons, beginning with Robertson's Golly in 1975. While many of these unique shapes serve commercial advertising purposes, several have been privately commissioned. Among notable private clients was the late Malcolm Forbes, publisher of Forbes magazine, who ordered multiple special-shaped balloons including designs resembling a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, a Sphinx, a bust of Beethoven, a French Chateau, a Pagoda, and a Minaret. Additionally, Cameron Balloons created the BBC Globe balloon, which gained recognition through the BBC One 'Balloon' idents. More recently, the company has produced special shapes for artists such as KAWS and Patricia Piccinini.
Expansion through acquisitions
Throughout the 1990s, the firm solidified its market presence by undertaking several strategic acquisitions. Initially, Cameron purchased its primary UK rival, Thunder & Colt Balloons. Subsequently, the company acquired Sky Balloons, a smaller enterprise established by former employees of Thunder & Colt following that company's acquisition. Ultimately, Cameron secured a two-thirds stake in Lindstrand Balloons, a company founded by Per Lindstrand after his departure from Thunder & Colt in the early 1990s.