Penn Racquet Sports
| Public | |
| Industry | Sportswear and sports equipment |
| Founded | 1910 (Jeanette, Pennsylvania, United States) |
| Products |
Sports equipment Accessories Sportswear |
| Parent | Head N.V. |
| Website | http://www.pennracquet.com |
Penn Racquet Sports, Inc. is a subsidiary of HEAD NV that manufactures tennis balls and racquetballs. Penn was founded in 1910 as Pennsylvania Rubber Company of America, Inc. in Jeannette, Pennsylvania.[1] Penn was acquired by HEAD NV in 1999 and is currently headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.[2][3]
History
In 1910, Penn began manufacturing tennis balls in Jeanette, Pennsylvania.[4]
In 1922, Penn makes the first pressurized ball cans.
In 1960, Penn invents a more durable felt cover for the tennis ball by weaving New Zealand wool and artificial fibers together.
In 1968, Penn makes the first fluorescent yellow tennis ball.
In 1970, Penn debuts "play-rated" balls - unique tennis balls for different court surfaces and high-altitude areas.
Penn was the first tennis ball manufacturer to use pressurized cans to keep balls "fresh" and the first to use the now-standard fluorescent yellow color.[5]
Penn was chosen as the official tennis ball of the US Professional Tennis Association in 1973. Penn racquetballs are the official ball of the IRT and U.S. Racquetball Association.
References
- ↑ http://www.pennracquet.com/100years.html
- ↑ http://www.pennracquet.com/story.html
- ↑ Philip Foster (14 June 2011). "About Penn Tennis Balls". Livestrong. Retrieved 30 May 2012.
- ↑ "About Penn". Penn Inc. Retrieved 30 May 2012.
- ↑ http://www.pennracquet.com/story.html