LuggageWorks Brand is formed.
We Build Rock Solid Products.
Blackstone Investment Group buys and builds companies we intend to own for a very long time — guided by values that outlast any single deal.
Our Core Values
Golden Rule
Treat people as you would like to be treated
The highest standard of our company. Every interaction — with employees, partners, customers, and communities — is measured by this principle.
Relationships
Commit to authentic relationships, communications, and promises
We build trust through honesty, follow-through, and genuine connection.
Respect
Balance the needs of the company with its stakeholders
We consider employees, customers, partners, and shareholders in every decision.
Productivity
Build productive operations and profitable businesses
We create durable businesses that run well, earn trust, and generate returns.
25+Years in Operation
12+Industries Served
2M+Units Shipped
150+EMPLOYEES
Our Family
Brands trusted across decades.
Our company proudly owns and operates a portfolio of brands that share a common commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer value. While each brand serves distinct audiences and market needs, they are united by the strength, stability, and entrepreneurial spirit of our privately held organization. By fostering independence where it matters and providing support where it counts, we help our brands thrive, compete, and create lasting value for customers, employees, and partners.
Founded 1989
LuggageWorks
LuggageWorks was founded in 1989 with the mission to produce the best luggage to service the unique needs of the airline industry. Over the last 3 decades the luggage has evolved with the industry but the mission has remained. We now offer over 50 products for pilots and flight attendants with durability and functionality built into every item.
luggageworks.com →
Our Mission
Strong Foundations Lasting Success.
Blackstone Investment Group is a privately-held holding company. Since 1989 we have founded, acquired, and grown companies serving the airline, work safety, public safety, outdoor, and travel markets — each one run by people who know their industry from the inside.
We are long-term owners, not short-term operators. Our role is to give our companies the manufacturing, sourcing, and brand-building strength of a much larger group, while keeping the focus and character that made each of them worth building in the first place.
— The Blackstone Family
Our History
Milestones That Shaped Us.
Flight Station Retailer is formed to distribute LuggageWorks.
Carry Gear Division is formed within Pacific Market International (PMI) encompassing the soft goods products that were offered to brands like Nike, Eddie Bauer, Target, and Lands' End.
LuggageWorks becomes a customer of the Carry Gear division.
Shanghai Office — Carry Gear opens Shanghai office to support Nike Asia business.
B.I.G. Blackstone Investment Group is formed as holding company. Crew Outfitters — B.I.G. purchases Airline Ventures, a uniform retailer and manufacturer, which becomes Crew Outfitters.
All of B.I.G.'s retailers are consolidated to form the Crew Outfitters chain.
Carry Gear and LuggageWorks partner under Blackstone Investment Group.
Carry Gear opens its first offshore factory partnership with Grown UP USA.
Asia Operations office moves to Dongguan to be closer to factory partners.
105 Meridien, LLC is acquired as a sourcing division for OEM resources as well as the following brands: Mountainsmith, LLC, Youngstown Glove Co., LLC, and Detours Bike Bags. We begin bag licensing partnership with LEGO. Premier Hats is added to the Airline Division of Blackstone.
Second factory partnership in Yuyang China services Airline Division of Blackstone.
Haiku, LLC is acquired focusing on eco everyday adventure bags. Stop Over Store, LLC and Field Shops, LLC are acquired, adding 5 locations that now operate as Crew Outfitters locations.
Third offshore factory opened in Honduras to support uniform business.
Bratwear and Olympic Uniform brands are acquired to form Sound Uniform Solutions, manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer of law enforcement uniforms, jackets, jumpsuits and protective gear. Unique Textile Experts, a US based manufacturing facility is also acquired and renamed Seattle Sewing Solutions. Manufacturing between Sound and Seattle Sewing have merged and are now located in Tacoma, Washington.
Blackstone invests in Oriental Peak, SE Asia Based Manufacturing facilities (locations in China, Cambodia, Vietnam).
Frank's Uniform and Tactical in Springfield, MO is acquired, increasing our Law Enforcement Division. Yuyang facility moves to Shenzhen, China.
Southern Uniform and Tactical, Carthage, MO: Another great specialty retailer in alignment with our law enforcement and first responder outfitters, selling uniforms, tactical gear and specialty equipment.
A planned merger of Sound Uniform Solutions, Southern Uniform and Tactical and Frank's Uniform and Tactical will combine the first responder expertise into one company that will be known as First Responder Outfitters, Inc.
Springfield, Missouri factory was opened for Youngstown Glove. Leveraging state-of-the-art automation and robotics, the facility serves as a key manufacturing, testing, and distribution hub for voltage-rated rubber gloves used by industrial, construction, and utility line professionals.
Greystone Tactical based in Salem, Oregon was added to the line of First Responder Outfitters stores. Grafpros Custom Printing was aquired, specializing in helping business owners create exceptionally designed marketing materials that help their companies grow. Bunker Uniforms & Equipment in Spokane, WA and Richland, WA was added to the line of First Responder Outfitters stores
What We Do
One group. Six markets we know by heart.
Blackstone companies serve niche markets where reliability is not negotiable — supported by shared manufacturing, sourcing, and brand expertise.
Airline & Travel
Crew luggage, uniforms, and onboard essentials for airlines of every size — the market Blackstone was founded on in 1989.
Work Safety
Performance work gloves and voltage-rated protective equipment for industrial, construction, and utility line workers.
Public Safety
Uniforms, accessories, and equipment for law enforcement, fire, EMS, and the agencies that depend on them.
Outdoor & Lifestyle
Heritage outdoor and travel brands built for people who use their gear hard and keep it for decades.
Brand Building
Market and category analysis, competitive review, strategic planning, and product and brand positioning across every company we own.
Manufacturing & Sourcing
Owned factories in three countries and long-standing mill and factory partnerships worldwide, shared across the group.
Where We Build
Three factories we own. One global network.
Owned facilities in Springfield, Missouri, Honduras, and Cambodia — plus vetted partners across six countries. Every product matched to the right floor.
Where We BuildContact
Let's connect.
Please send us a message or give us a call. We'll get back within one business day.
- Facility
- 579 W High Street
Aurora, MO 65605 United States - Telephone
- (417) 459-4259