Coleman (brand)
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Outdoor recreation equipment |
| Founded | 1902 |
| Founder | William Coffin Coleman |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Camping gear, lanterns, portable stoves, sleeping bags, chairs, coolers, camp stoves, generators, watches, sandals, tents, dog toys, backpacks, small watercraft (canoes, pontoon boats, johnboats), backyard barbecue grills, ATVs, minibikes |
Number of employees | 4000 |
| Parent | Newell Brands |
| Website | www |
The Coleman Company, Inc. is a U.S.-based producer specializing in outdoor recreation equipment, widely recognized for its range of camping gear including lanterns, portable stoves, sleeping bags, chairs, and coolers. Established in 1902 with its main office located in Chicago, the firm employs approximately 4,000 individuals. Coleman functions as a subsidiary under Newell Brands, maintaining manufacturing sites in Wichita, Kansas and Texas.
History
The enterprise was founded in 1902 by William Coffin Coleman, initially marketing gasoline pressure lamps from Wichita. By 1905, Coleman showcased its products at the 1905 Cooper vs. Fairmount football game.
During the First World War, the U.S. government distributed Coleman lanterns to aid farming activities. In the Second World War era, the company introduced the Model 520, a compact multi-fuel burner designed specifically for military applications.
In the mid-1900s, Coleman expanded into home and utility goods but shifted back to concentrate on outdoor recreation essentials by the 1990s.
Coleman gas lamps famously illuminated the first night football game west of the Mississippi River. The company broadened its global presence in 1996 by acquiring the French brand Campingaz.
In September 2004, Jarden purchased American Household—the parent firm of Coleman as well as brands like Sunbeam Products—for $745.6 million. Subsequently, Newell Brands acquired Jarden in December 2015 for $13.2 billion, incorporating Coleman into its portfolio.
Products
Coleman has consistently concentrated on gear tailored for the camping and outdoor leisure markets. Its hallmark item, the Coleman Lantern, initially operated on gasoline, but current models utilize either Coleman fuel (white gas) or propane, featuring one or two gas mantles to provide intense white illumination.
The company’s historical product lineup included cooking stoves and household irons. Presently, its offerings encompass camp stoves—such as the iconic "G.I. Pocket Stove"—alongside sleeping bags, coolers, hot tubs, generators, watches, sandals, tents, dog toys, and various types of backpacks. Additionally, Coleman manufactures small watercraft including canoes, pontoon boats, and johnboats. In earlier years, the company marketed pop-up travel trailers, Skiroule-branded snowmobiles, and the Hobie Cat line of sailboats. It also produces backyard barbecue grills distributed through retailers such as Canadian Tire.
Separately branded Coleman Heating and Air Conditioning offers residential heating and cooling solutions under a licensing agreement with Johnson Controls.
Through its Coleman Powersports division, the company designs and sells ATVs and minibikes.