Samsonite luggage

Samsonite is an iconic travel brand with a history spanning over a century. It was founded in 1910 by Jesse Shwayder in Denver, Colorado, originally as the Shwayder Trunk Manufacturing Company. The brand became famous for its durable trunks, and the name 'Samsonite' (inspired by the biblical figure Samson) was first used for a suitcase in 1939 before becoming the corporate name in 1966.

Today, Samsonite operates as a global leader in the travel industry with a highly diversified manufacturing footprint. While it originated in the United States, its primary manufacturing hubs are now located in India, China, Vietnam, and Hungary. The company maintains its own state-of-the-art production facilities in Nashik (India) and Szekszárd (Hungary), while also utilizing a network of third-party suppliers across Asia and Europe.

In terms of ownership, Samsonite has transitioned from a family-owned business through several private equity cycles to its current status as a major public corporation. It is officially registered as Samsonite Group S.A. (formerly Samsonite International S.A.), headquartered in Luxembourg, and is primarily listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. As of 2026, the company is owned by a broad base of international institutional investors and mutual funds, with no single controlling shareholder, reflecting its growth into a truly global entity.