Scots company bags McLaren F1 deal 18 | 10 | 2017

    SCOTS COMPANY LAT_56 is set to line up on the Formula 1 grid with legendary race team McLaren after securing a deal to become the team’s official luggage supplier for the next four years.

    The Dundee-based company, established just seven years ago, worked closely with McLaren for 10 months to create travel items that meet the F1 squad’s exact specifications. The resulting ‘McLaren LAT_56’ collection will feature innovative new products and detailing that matches the Woking-based outfit’s racing livery.

    The partnership will see the entire McLaren race team — including double world champ Fernando Alonso (pictured below) — carry LAT_56 luggage items from across its range as it embarks on the 2018 Formula 1 season and beyond.

    In addition to being seen in airports and the F1 paddock at grand prix venues all over the world, this new and exclusive dual-branded ‘McLaren LAT_56’ range of premium travel products will also be sold as official licensed products, available to purchase online via the McLaren Store and lat56.com.

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    Kevin Fox (main picture), managing director and designer at LAT_56, said the deal would play a key part in the company’s ambitious plans to increase sales across the globe.

    “The partnership with McLaren represents a true meeting of minds,” he explained. “Each of our pieces of luggage absolutely has to be the best in class; the team at McLaren strives to achieve excellence in design and performance.

    “These shared values are the inspiration behind this new range, and it’s been a pleasure working with them on engineering products that will meet the exacting standards expected in the world of grand prix racing.

    “This long-term partnership will open up the opportunity for us to collaborate on future product developments with one of the most innovative engineering and design teams in the world, and at the same time give us access to a truly global marketing channel.

    “Being on board with a prestigious racing brand like McLaren really is an honour, and we’re looking forward to playing our part in ensuring the team and their kit travel to and from race weekends in style over the next four years.”

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    The new ‘McLaren LAT_56’ collection, which includes suitcases, duffels, wheeled carry-ons, check-in bags, laptop bags, garment bags, briefcases, backpacks and wash bags, will launch officially in late November, after which the products will be available for pre-order ahead of the 2018 Formula 1 season.

    Eric Boullier, McLaren racing director, said: “We’re delighted to welcome another premium partner to McLaren’s portfolio, and particularly a multi-year partnership with an exciting, luggage brand in LAT_56.

    “Not only are LAT_56 products beautifully designed, they are also engineered to withstand the relentless and demanding nature of grand prix travel, which requires the perfect balance of practicality and form.

    “McLaren’s partnership with LAT_56 also extends to a licensing agreement, and we’re very excited to jointly launch our new range of dual-branded products in time for Christmas and the beginning of the 2018 season.

    “We’re very much looking forward to showcasing our partnership through the ‘McLaren LAT_56’ products we will carry with us as we go racing all over the world.”

    If you’d like to pre-order the ‘McLaren LAT_56’ luggage collection and enter an exclusive competition to win a behind-the-scenes tour of McLaren Technology Centre, visit McLarenLAT56.com.

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    Jim McGill

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