History of Petzl.

See Also: Headtorches

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.

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)”. 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”. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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. Later in 2002, the QUARK ERGO was
developed and designed to be the first leashless, angled ice axe. 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. 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.

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.
In January of 2007, Petzl participated in safety and rescue demonstrations in Dubai at the world’s
largest security and safety fair.

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.”

See Also:  Headtorches