Company History
Tripp Lite's comprehensive product line and service network have evolved over a span of more than 85 years.
Established in 1922, Tripp Lite originally manufactured automotive accessories, including a line of inverters. While inverters are still part of Tripp Lite's offering, Tripp Lite, driven over the decades by the evolving needs of its customers, has shifted the focus of its offering onto power protection and connectivity products. As an early innovator in the power protection industry, Tripp Lite introduced the first UPS system designed for personal computers and the world's most trusted premium surge suppressor, the Isobar®.
Today, Tripp Lite is an ISO 9001 company that is committed to increasing the business availability and profitability of its customers.
Tripp Lite Milestones
1920's |
Graham Trippe, a Chicago-area inventor, obtains a patent for a new precision-focused automobile headlight. The unique design of the Trippe “Speed Light” wins the gold medal at both the 1928 and 1929 Paris Exposition of Innovation. |
1930's |
The Trippe “Speed Light” becomes a successful automotive accessory, improving visibility on all types of automobiles, including fine touring cars. |
1940's |
The Trippe “Speed Light” is tailored for use on WWII U.S. army tanks. |
1950's |
As sealed-beam headlights become standard equipment on post-war vehicles, Trippe Manufacturing Company expands into the production of rotating warning lights. These sell to many different businesses as well as the police, fire and ambulance markets. |
1960's |
Addressing a newfound need for on-board AC power in ambulances and recreational vehicles, Tripp Lite develops a line of DC-to-AC inverters. |
1970's |
Tripp Lite grows to become the best-known manufacturer of portable inverters in the world—providing portable power for everything from RVs to alternative energy applications. In addition, Tripp Lite revolutionizes dock light technology with the introduction of the “double strut” dock light. |
1980's |
The advent of the personal computer creates a need for reliable battery backup power to prevent computer data loss and hardware damage. By integrating proven inverter technology with a battery charger and transfer switch, Tripp Lite becomes the first company to manufacture a UPS system specifically designed for desktop PCs. Coupled with the introduction of the Isobar® Premium Surge Suppressor in 1982, Tripp Lite is uniquely positioned to supply the burgeoning computer market with high quality power protection equipment. In 1987, sister company Tri-Lite is spun off to form an independently operated company that continues to manufacture industrial and specialty lighting products for shipment around the world. |
1990's |
On the heels of the PC revolution, businesses decentralize their datacom structures, swapping mainframes for multiple servers running specialized applications. In addition, businesses become increasingly reliant on the Internet. Tripp Lite's product line branches out to address the broad spectrum of these specialized needs. To help ensure 100% server availability, Tripp Lite adds more comprehensive protection features to its UPS system line. In addition, Tripp Lite introduces several new product lines: cables and connectivity products, KVM switches, power distribution units (PDUs) and rackmount enclosures. Tripp Lite quickly becomes the corporate standard in a variety of markets, including home/home office, small-to-medium business, corporate enterprise, government/education and healthcare. In 1996, Tripp Lite's market leadership is recognized by ISO 9000 certification. Tripp Lite is currently ISO 9001 certified for the highest standards of design, manufacturing, distribution, marketing, sales and service excellence. Keeping pace with its rapidly expanding product line, Tripp Lite's corporate infrastructure expands as well. In 1998, to maintain its reputation as having the largest stock of ready-to-ship inventory, Tripp Lite relocates its world headquarters to a 1 million square foot facility (formerly occupied by catalog giant Spiegel) in Chicago. Currently, the facility is at the center of a vast global distribution, support and sales network that has reached out to service the individual needs of Tripp Lite customers in over 60 countries worldwide. |
2000 to Present |
With over 16 million Isobars and 6 million UPS systems sold, Tripp Lite continues to adapt to the unique needs of its customers. New Tripp Lite UPS system innovations include digital models with LCD displays, “hot-swap” modular models that provide 100% availability and 3-phase models in space-saving cabinets. Additional product line introductions have included notebook accessories, audio/video power protection and replacement batteries. As it seeks to anticipate future needs, Tripp Lite remains focused on its core values: providing quality power protection and connectivity solutions with a focus on customer service and uncompromising loyalty to its channel partners. |
