Hartmann Luggage

Hartmann Luggage is a manufacturer of luggage and leather goods established in 1877[1] in Milwaukee, Wisconsin by Bavarian trunkmaker Joseph S. Hartmann.

Hartmann luggage has been recognized as being of fine quality.[2] The company is known for producing distinctive collections of luggage such as Wings and Tweed, which are associated with traditional American style. Many of its products were manufactured in the United States and are now outsourced globally, but mostly China and other parts of Asia. The Tweed Collection was updated & re-named Tweed Legend in 2018. The Associated Press published on September 1, 2007: "Hartmann Luggage spokesman Ronald Roberts said the manufacturing operation will be moved outside the U.S. We'll be working with the Caribbean, Central America and China".

History

Hartmann’s manufacturing began in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where founder Joseph S. Hartmann worked as a trunk maker and established workshops that produced early trunks and travel goods in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.[1][3]

In 1956, the company opened a manufacturing operation in Lebanon, Tennessee, and the company's headquarters and plant facilities followed in 1959.

Hartmann was bought by Brown Forman Corporation in 1983.[4][5] Hartman was positioned within Brown Forman’s then‑diversified consumer durables portfolio alongside Lenox. Brown Forman later exited non‑beverage businesses and sold Hartmann to equity firm Clarion Capital Partners in 2007.[6]

Samsonite International acquired Hartmann from Clarion in May 2012 in an all‑cash transaction valued at USD $35 million, integrating the brand into Samsonite’s multi‑brand portfolio with plans to expand distribution and revitalize product and retail presentation. Following the acquisition the Factory and Head Office in Lebanon, TN, closed in December 2012.[7][8][9]

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