A Modern Luggage Innovation that Changed the Way we Travel
(Boca Raton, Fla. – Jan. 9, 2012)—Travelpro will celebrate its 25th Anniversary of the invention of Rollaboard luggage throughout 2012 with an array of promotions, dynamic new product introductions, special events and media co-ops.
It all started when Robert Plath, a pilot for Northwest Airlines, changed the physical orientation of luggage from horizontal to vertical, added large wheels and an extension handle; hence, inventing the Rollaboard, an entirely new way to transport personal belongings while traveling.
“When Travelpro founder, Robert Path, invented the original Rollaboard in his garage in 1987, he not only changed the way people traveled but his new invention helped energize the entire travel goods industry,” said Scott Applebee, Vice President of Marketing for Travelpro. “The Rollaboard also led to the creation of the company, Travelpro, which immediately became an industry leader due to his powerful innovation.”
Plath founded Travelpro and began providing Rollaboard luggage to airline flight crews and pilots. The idea was so universally successful with the airline crews, Travelpro launched the product commercially through retail stores in the early 90’s and has been changing the way consumers travel ever since.
In 1994, Travelpro was ranked as one of the fastest growing private companies by Inc. Magazine. Recently, Inc. Magazine listed Plath’s Rollaboard invention as one of the top innovations in modern history. In November 2011, in a Discovery Channel program entitled, “What’s America Worth?” the invention was highlighted as one of the leading examples of how innovation adds value to a country’s net worth. Numerous awards have followed including winning the 2009 and 2010 Leading Edge Award from Executive Travel Magazine for “The Best Carry-on Case.” Its luggage also had a co-starring role in the multi-Oscar nominated film “Up in the Air”, starring George Clooney.
Today, Travelpro has continued to grow its reputation of innovation and style as one of the leading luggage brands worldwide. Travelpro luggage is now used by over 80 airlines globally and is sold commercially throughout the world.
Travelpro manufactures numerous luggage collections including Platinum 7, Crew™ 8, FlightPro LITE, Walkabout Lite 4, Maxlite 2 Rollaboards and Spinners, Executive Pro™ and Tpro Bold ™. These collections represent the best of the best for innovation, quality and value. Additionally, Travelpro purchased the well-respected Atlantic Luggage and Austin House to fortify its brand presence in the Luggage and Travel Accessories industry.
For more information about Travelpro, please visit the Travelpro website for a complete list of the latest products and retail locations. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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