Petzl: Difference between revisions
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Petzl is a [[France|French]] manufacturer of [[climbing]] gear, [[caving]] gear, work-at-height equipment, and [[headlamp (outdoor)|headlamp]]s based in [[Crolles]] (near [[Grenoble]]), France. The company was created by the cave explorer [[Fernand Petzl]] in the mid-1970s. Their three specialties are: |
[[File:Petzl tikka xp.jpg|thumb|300px|Headlamp Tikka XP made by Petzl]]Petzl is a [[France|French]] manufacturer of [[climbing]] gear, [[caving]] gear, work-at-height equipment, and [[headlamp (outdoor)|headlamp]]s based in [[Crolles]] (near [[Grenoble]]), France. The company was created by the cave explorer [[Fernand Petzl]] in the mid-1970s. Their three specialties are: |
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*Vertical Sports: equipment for [[mountaineering]], climbing, caving, etc. |
*Vertical Sports: equipment for [[mountaineering]], climbing, caving, etc. |
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*Work at height and [[rescue]]: solutions for progression and safety in difficult-access worksites and in [[technical rescue]]. |
*Work at height and [[rescue]]: solutions for progression and safety in difficult-access worksites and in [[technical rescue]]. |
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Revision as of 14:40, 13 October 2009
Petzl is a French manufacturer of climbing gear, caving gear, work-at-height equipment, and headlamps based in Crolles (near Grenoble), France. The company was created by the cave explorer Fernand Petzl in the mid-1970s. Their three specialties are:
- Vertical Sports: equipment for mountaineering, climbing, caving, etc.
- Work at height and rescue: solutions for progression and safety in difficult-access worksites and in technical rescue.
- Headlamps / Head torches that provide hands free lighting. [1]
History
Fernand Petzl, born in 1912, began caving career in the late 1920s and early 1930s. In 1936, Petzl was introduced to, then small-time caver, Pierre Chevalier. The two began work on improving the technology behind their sport.
In 1943, Chevalier designs and tests the first nylon rope to replace caving ladders. This technology would provide the foundation for nearly all vertical safety methods to come. Chevalier’s innovation led to the first 1,000 meter cave descent when Petzl explored the gouffre Berger in France in 1950 [2].
In the late 60s and early 70s, Petzl began experimenting further with vertical safety technology, and in 1968 he produced his first rope ascenders, then marketed as “Produits Fernand Petzl (Fernand Petzl Products)” [3]. Five years later, in 1973, Petzl developed his first mountaineering headlamp.
In 1975, the Petzl corporation was born as Fernand Petzl established the first company headquarters in Crolles, France. “This [was] the beginning of Petzl manufacturing.” [4]. The initial workshop was approximately 7,200 sq. feet, and located at the base of Dent de Crolles “Tooth of Crolles” close to Grenoble.
Two years after establishing a base, Petzl produced its first vertical safety harness in 1977. Furthermore, in the early 1980s the company began expanding its innovation from caving to vertical sports such as rock climbing and mountaineering, as well as to rescue. The company’s first brand name head lamp, the ZOOM, was produced in 1981[5]. Later, in 1986, Petzl developed its first R&D department and testing tower. The corporation was the first company in its sector to have a test lab.
In 1990, Petzl’s first products for work at height were produced, and the Petzl Securité department was developed. Petzl’s first self braking device, the Grigri, was produced a year later in the United States. The Grigri is still produced and sold today [8]. Also developed in the 90s was a modification of Fernand Petzl initial rope ascender design. The TIBLOC, which is still manufactured and sold today, was developed in 1998. Also in 1998, Petzl moved its North American distribution center from La Fayette, GA to Clearfield, UT [6]. The Clearfield center became the first corporate owned distribution center outside of its own country (France). At the time Petzl depended upon 28 private firms for distribution outside of North America. Pigeon Mountain Industries was the former distributor of Petzl products in North America before the development of the Clearfield location [7].
Petzl acquired the ice axe and crampon developer Charlet Moser in 2000, thereby expanding its production to include ice climbing technology as well. The first LED headlamps were also produced in 2000 under the brand name TIKKA.
As of 2001, Petzl had approximately 600 products [8]. Later in 2002, the QUARK ERGO was developed and designed to be the first leashless, angled ice axe [9]. In 2004, Petzl’s first fall arrest device for work at height was developed. As of 2006, the Petzl corporation introduced new general director Pascal Bonino, and the Petzl Foundation was also developed.
The aim of the foundation is to promote low-impact outdoor activity as well as raise social and environmental awareness for outdoor sports such as mountaineering [10]. This is accomplished through the Petzl Foundation’s endorsement of ecological preservation projects, research in risk prevention, and general education in work at height and recreational activities at height [11].
Also in 2006, Petzl America commissioned the recall of approximately 8,000 carabiners (aluminum climbing device used for rope maintenance) due to the models’ susceptibility to failure. [12]. In January of 2007, Petzl participated in safety and rescue demonstrations in Dubai at the world’s largest security and safety fair [13]
Fernand Petzl died in 2003. His son, Paul, is the current president and recognized founder of the Petzl corporation.
The Petzl Team
The Petzl Team is a group of highly skilled climbers and innovators. Essentially, they are at the forefront of their specialties. As such Petzl provides sponsorship and funding for these ambassadors to push the limits of climbing, mountaineering, caving, etc. The following is a statement from Petzl regarding their ambassadors:
“Petzl has established a team of the most talented and charismatic climbers; they are pushing the limits of the sport and opening up new climbing areas. We support them throughout their projects requiring equipment: putting up routes, traveling into the vertical. While attaining some of the highest achievements, these climbers also know how to share their passion with other enthusiasts, as well as to the general public. At Petzl RocTrips, they come to celebrate with climbers of all levels. In short, the expertise of the members of the Team is priceless to the company. From close collaboration with the R&D department and from their personal experience, they contribute to the design and improvement of Petzl products and techniques.”[14]
The Petzl Team consists of the following climbers:
- Josune Bereziartu
- Francois Damlano
- Danial Dulac
- Dave Graham
- Lynn Hill
- Alex Hubert
- Robert Jasper
- Chris Sharma
Several of members of the Petzl Team are prominent and professional climbers. Those such as Chris Sharma have gone on to receive accolade for climbing and setting the world’s hardest routes. Such routes by Sharma include Jumbo Love (5.15a/b) in 2008, La Rambla, Es Pontas and Realization (considered to be first 5.15 class route) in 2001.
Lynn Hill, another Petzl ambassador, was the first woman to set and send a route graded at 5.12+ or 5.13. Hill also became the first person, not gender specific, to free climb The Nose at Yosemite’s El Capitan.
Company Profile
2006 Sales Numbers
75 million EUR, 80% abroad (outside of France)
Number of Employees
400
Locations
Headquarters: Crolles, France Branches: Crolles, Eybens, Rotherens (European). Clearfield, Utah (United States)
ISO 9001 Certification
Brands
Petzl Petzl Charlet