Here's a great mission statement:"Our mission is to lead our industry by providing quality products, superior customer service, technical innovation, and on-time delivery. We realize that we cannot exist without the support of our customers, employees, and suppliers and we will treat them with the highest level of integrity and professionalism."
The problem with most mission statements is that they're only as good as the Good Times the company is enjoying, usually early in their history. Once the Tough Times show up, all that good will goes right out the window, replaced with that all-too familiar Ebenezer-ish mantra of "We're not running a charity here!" and then it's all about the pleasing the bean counters, usually at the expense of customer service, employees, and integrity.
Usually, but not always.
One example of a company that lives its mission statement is the same company that claims the above-quoted mission statement as its own. It's a company that's been making incredibly high-quality, innovative, industry-leading American Union-made products since 1921.
Platt Luggage, Inc. That's who.
L to R: Kathy Anweiler, Platt Luggage Sales Manager, and Brian Fallon, Full Moon Rising, Inc., at the PPAI Show in Las Vegas, January 2009.
I could post a LOT of pictures of the incredible variety of plastics, aluminum, and fabric cases that Platt Luggage produces. But as Allan Evavold, Platt Luggage Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer told me, "A picture's worth a thousand words. A sample's worth a thousand pictures."
Truer words have seldom been spoken, because until you can actually hold one of Platt's cases in your hands and see - and FEEL - the quality craftsmanship, you'll understand that pictures just can't do these cases justice. And until you need a custom-order case built to your specifications, you just can't appreciate how seriously Platt Luggage takes its mission statement. But I'm sure you can appreciate these industry-leading innovations, ALL of which Platt Luggage can claim as their own:
- The first combination locks on luggage
- The first cushioned handles on cases and luggage
- The first to use their own hardware, produced for specific products
- The first to mold bowling bags from plastic
- The first to mold plastic end shells on catalog cases
- The first to mold a urethane pallet
Another innovation of Platt's is their TSA Approved locks, available AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT on over two dozen popular models of cases. Platt's TSA locks have a window that changes from green to red whenever the TSA opens the case, so that as soon as you pull your case off the airport conveyer belt, you can know if it's been opened, and know to check the contents immediately.
Platt Luggage has come a long way since its founder, Benjamin Platt, took his talents learned from cutting leather Cossack saddle harnesses for the Czar's army at the turn of the 20th century and began to shape fine cowhides into sturdy suitcases and stylish bags. His new creations were well-suited to endure the rough handling that 1920-era trips entailed, and Platt Luggage was born. Four generations later, this Chicago-based company continues leading the industry forward, and while they are rightfully proud of their rich heritage, they are certainly not stuck in the past. Platt Luggage utilizes the latest cutting-edge Auto-CAD systems to produce their amazingly durable cases, as well as unique production scheduling and control system software which allows them to cut their production lead times and offer more reliable delivery performance, all at ever-more competitive prices.
Such progressive practices are not just impressive; in today's turbulent economic climate, it's imperative. Platt Luggage, founded in the Roaring 20's, didn't survive the Great Depression by resting on its reputation built on The Good Times. Rather, its reputation was forged because of their devotion to their mission statement's constitution during the Tough Times. "We've weathered a number of storms," Mr. Evavold said. When I asked him about Platt Luggage's outlook over the next few quarters, he was matter of fact, "We're seeing continued activities in all our departments. We're doing a lot of things [to adapt]. Business is still out there. It's just taking a little longer for people to make decisions."
Built with modern materials which reflect an age of portability and efficiency, Platt Luggage Union-made cases are designed to endure some seriously rough handling. Lead with a corporate culture of leadership, responsibility and integrity, Platt Luggage, Inc. is destined to endure through these tough times. So when you need to get your gear on the move, give Full Moon Rising, Inc. a call and we'll help make your choice for industrial-strength cases and professional luggage a simple decision!
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