The first firm to move into Dundee’s new District 10 business offices used Monday’s launch to announce a major tie-up with global luxury airline Emirates.
Luggage and accessories company LAT_56 will provide the carrier with jointly-branded products as an official bag supplier, in what founder and managing director Kevin Fox said was a “milestone” and “great recognition” of his company’s designs.
His carry-on bags and other items are made from a military-grade plastic foam, which acts as a flexible and lightweight impact and water-resistant shell.
“It will be our biggest deal this year and we are making the goods just now,” he said. “It’s the prestige and the credibility this gives us it just shows that the brand is trusted.
“It’s a really big deal, especially with someone like Emirates one of the world’s most luxury airlines.”
Mr Fox said he was sure his company would thrive in its new international headquarters, which were officially opened on Monday.
“The image of the building suits our brand even down to the shipping containers, because we use shipping containers to export,” Mr Fox added.Photo gallery: District 10 offices officially opened“It has a technical, cool look to it, which is right up our street because we’re trying to produce something different that’s really high quality.”
The company was born in 2007, when Mr Fox graduated from a product design course at Strathclyde University.
While based in Glasgow, LAT_56 snared a contract to supply department store Selfridges following an appearance at one of the world’s largest luggage shows in Las Vegas.
Mr Fox hopes moving to Dundee will enable the company to continue to develop its digital offer, with web sales one of the firm’s key areas for growth.
LAT_56 already shifts around 5,000 units a year, targeting the frequent traveller or ‘road warrior’.
Warehousing in London and California helps to serve online markets across the world, with manufacturing operations based in China.
“We are excited to be the first company based in Dundee’s newest waterfront development,” he said. “As a brand with a strong international outlook with a constant need to be cutting edge at the highest level, I believe we are going to thrive in this fantastic location.”