Our History

1975 – Alastair and Jane Langdon set up Gelert Ltd in a small village called Beddgelert, in Snowdonia. Their vision, to make sure that those who love the outdoors could get everything they need in one place.

1984 – Our first purpose built warehouse was opened, as the demand for quality, affordable outdoor equipment grew.

1994 – With the growth in the market, it was time to create a Design Department of top designers and product developers.

1998 – Gelert Far East was established – allowing us to ensure that all our products made in our Far East factories are made to the highest of quality and adhere to the companies ethical trading.

1995 – Alastair Langdon received an MBE in recognition of his efforts in creating employment in the local community within North Wales.

1997 – We open our new European Office and Showroom in Holland.

2001 – Foot and Mouth hit the UK – a very sad year for all, which was felt both by the industry and the local community.

2003 – As the company grows at an amazing pace, a brand new HQ is built in Porthmadog and this today is still the home of our Product Development teams along with our support functions such as Customer Services and Marketing.

2006 – The launch of the Gelert Quick Pitch – one of the fastest selling tent in the market place – you can’t go to a festival without one.

2007 – Mick Welden is appointed Managing Director.

2008 – As the GELERT brand grew, so did the number of stockists distributing our products, and the need to have a central showroom to demonstrate our products. This lead to the opening of our Widnes Distribution Centre and Showroom, along with the London office. At the same time we expand our portfolio by acquiring the cycling brands Canyon, KidCool, and Xcool.

2009 – Developing on our newly acquired cycling portfolio we launch our Halcyon brand, a range of luxury, trekking, folding, and comfort model cycles.

2010 – We celebrated our 35 year Anniversary and a total of over 100 million products sold throughout Europe. As part of the celebration we open our new showroom in Haydock, large enough to demonstrate all our products including those from the cycling portfolio.

In the same year our products come out on top for a number of reviews and awards, including the Camping Innovation Award with the launch of the Fantastic new ‘Sleeping Pod’ a sleeping bag that allows you to move! As well as our Waterpoof Jackets been voted the ‘Best Value in the market place’ and quality tested by Trail Magazine’s infamous Graham Thompson and a feature on the Gadget Show for the Westcott Jacket, where it beat higher priced jackets on both quality and engineering.

2011 – Even though 2011 has just begun it has already been quite a year for us at GELERT, with the launch of the new Corporate Identity and branding, including the launch of our new website.