Our Story

It all began with a mission.
Our founder, Dave Parker, was obsessed with diving. In 1976 he realized his SCUBA missions required a level of equipment and protection that didn’t yet exist. And so, he and his wife Arline created Pelican – born from real needs, built for real missions. That same authentic purpose still drives us today, as we continue to be the leader in protective solutions.

From this humble beginning sprang a company that ultimately became the global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance protective cases, temperature controlled packaging and advanced portable lighting systems. All along the way, Pelican has stayed true to Dave’s commitment to quality and his vision: Protecting All That You Value. We take great pride in the products we’ve created over the years for police, firefighters, military personnel, photographers and others who have counted on Pelican products to protect their gear and their lives.

Photo by Eli Lilly and Company

Over the years, stories of survival and heroic efforts have rolled in. Getting roughed up, scuffed up, run over, kicked, thrown, submersed, and dropped is all in a day’s work for a Pelican product. We have expanded into many new areas over the years, but we evaluate our success only one way: it either does its job, or it doesn’t bear the Pelican name.

Still located in Torrance with 200,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space, Pelican has grown into a global enterprise with six manufacturing facilities, 23 international sales offices, and multiple advanced case centers, network stations, and service centers around the world. Global expansion along with smart acquisitions and new product introductions have all added to the success Pelican realizes today.

We wholeheartedly embrace the calling and the duty that we’ve lived up to for more than 40 years. It’s true that we build the best in the world. But it’s our customers who have built the Pelican name. We know the most valuable thing you’ll ever put in a Pelican product is trust. If it’s made by Pelican, it’s built to protect.

dog with cases
military case