About Tripp Lite
In 1922, Graham Trippe, a Chicago-area inventor, obtained a patent for a new precision-focused automobile headlight. This unique design won the gold medal at both the 1928 and 1929 Paris Exposition of Innovation. The Trippe “Speed Light” soon became a successful automotive accessory, improving visibility on everything from fine touring cars to U.S. Army tanks during World War II.
As sealed-beam headlights became standard equipment on post-war vehicles, Trippe Manufacturing Company expanded into the production of rotating warning lights. These were sold to many different businesses as well as the police, fire and ambulance markets. Tri-Lite, the sister company of Tripp Lite, continues to manufacture industrial and specialty lighting products for shipment around the world.
Addressing a newfound need for on-board AC power in ambulances and recreational vehicles, Tripp Lite developed a line of DC-to-AC inverters in the early 1960s. Over the next 20 years, Tripp Lite grew to become the best-known manufacturer of portable inverters in the world—providing portable power for everything from RVs to alternative energy applications.
By 1980, the advent of the personal computer had created 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 became 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 was uniquely positioned to supply the burgeoning computer market with high quality power protection equipment.
In the 1990s, on the heels of the PC revolution, businesses decentralized their datacom structures, swapping mainframes for multiple servers running specialized applications. In addition, businesses became increasingly reliant on the Internet. Tripp Lite’s product line branched out to address the broad spectrum of these specialized needs. To help ensure 100% server availability, Tripp Lite added more comprehensive protection features to its UPS system line. In addition, Tripp Lite introduced several new product lines: cables and connectivity products, KVM switches, power distribution units (PDUs) and rackmount enclosures.
Tripp Lite quickly became 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 was 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 expanded as well. In 1998, to maintain its reputation as having the largest stock of ready-to-ship inventory, Tripp Lite relocated 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.
From the year 2000 to today (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 has remained 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.
