Pelican Protector Case

Pelican cases were born out of a desire for high-performance protection in extreme environments. Founded in 1976 by Dave Parker in his garage in Torrance, California, the brand initially gained fame for its specialized dive floats and rugged first-aid kits before evolving into the global standard for protective equipment transport. Today, Pelican Products, Inc. is recognized for its injection-molded cases that are watertight, crushproof, and dustproof, serving industries ranging from military and law enforcement to photography and aerospace.

While the brand maintains deep roots in Southern California, its manufacturing and distribution have expanded globally. The high-end Protector and Air lines are predominantly manufactured in the United States, specifically at their large-scale facility in Torrance. However, to serve international markets efficiently, Pelican also operates manufacturing facilities and distribution centers in Germany, the United Kingdom, and China. This multi-continent footprint allows the brand to maintain high quality control while meeting the logistics demands of a worldwide customer base.

The brand has undergone significant shifts in corporate ownership over the decades. Originally a family-run business, it was acquired by the private equity firm Behrman Capital in 2004. In late 2021, the brand was acquired by Platinum Equity, a global investment firm. Under Platinum Equity’s management heading into 2026, Pelican continues to innovate its material science and expand its consumer lifestyle offerings, such as drinkware and luggage, while remaining the ultimate owner of the Peli brand (the trademark used for the European market).