For professionals working in defence, broadcasting, medical logistics, and heavy industry, one name stands above all others when it comes to protective equipment cases. That name is Pelican.
However, if you are sourcing these world class cases within the United Kingdom or Europe, you might find yourself pausing at the checkout. You searched for Pelican UK, but the products you see are branded as Peli.
At PottertonPacs, we are often asked if there is a difference. The answer is simple. No. They are the exact same product, built to the exact same rigorous standards, in the same factories. The only difference is the sticker on the lid.
As a leading distributor for the brand in the UK, PottertonPacs is here to guide you through the range, explain the heritage of Pelican UK products, and help you secure the ultimate protection for your critical assets.
The Story Behind the Name
The confusion regarding the brand name is purely a result of trademark law.
The company was founded in California in 1976 as Pelican Products. They quickly established themselves as the global leader in the design and manufacture of high performance protective cases and advanced lighting systems. Their reputation was built on a simple promise: if you break it, they replace it. Forever.
However, when the company expanded into the European market, they found that the name Pelican was already trademarked by another entity. To respect these commercial laws while maintaining their brand identity, they shortened the name for the European market.
Therefore, Peli is simply the trading name for Pelican in the UK and Europe. When you buy a Peli case from PottertonPacs, you are buying a genuine Pelican UK product. It possesses the same NATO stock numbers, the same IP ratings, and the same legendary durability as the cases used by US military forces and emergency services across the Atlantic.
Why Choose Pelican UK Cases?
In a market flooded with cheap plastic alternatives, why do procurement managers and technical directors consistently specify Pelican cases? The answer lies in the engineering.
A standard storage box is made from a single layer of injection moulded plastic. It might look tough, but under stress, it cracks. Pelican cases are different. They are manufactured using a proprietary structural foam resin. This technique creates a lightweight open cell core surrounded by a solid, impact resistant wall.
The result is a case that is stronger than solid plastic but significantly lighter. This stronger by design philosophy ensures that the case acts as a shock absorber. If a Pelican UK case is dropped from a helicopter or crushed under a Land Rover, the casing absorbs the energy of the impact, protecting the delicate equipment inside.
The Key Features of the Range
When you browse the Pelican UK catalogue at PottertonPacs, you will find standard features that have become industry benchmarks:
• Watertight Integrity: Using a tongue and groove fit with a polymer O ring, these cases are watertight. They are often rated IP67, meaning they can be submerged in water without leaking.
• Automatic Pressure Equalisation Valve: This is a critical feature for air travel. As altitude changes, air pressure builds up. In a sealed box, this can create a vacuum lock, making the case impossible to open, or cause the box to warp. The Pelican valve allows air to pass through to equalise pressure while keeping water and dust out.
• Stainless Steel Hardware: The hinge pins and padlock protectors are made from stainless steel to prevent corrosion, even when exposed to salt water environments.
• Double Throw Latches: Designed to stay closed under impact but open easily when required, these latches are a staple of the Protector range.
Understanding the Three Core Lines
As your supply partner, PottertonPacs offers the full spectrum of Pelican UK (Peli) products. Understanding the difference between the three main lines will help you choose the right solution for your bulk order.
1. The Peli Protector Case (The Original)
This is the icon. If you picture a Pelican Case, you are picturing the Protector. It was created in 1976 and has not changed much since because it has not needed to. It is the toughest case on the market. It is heavy duty, solid, and virtually indestructible. It is the default choice for military, oil and gas, and heavy engineering applications.
2. The Peli Air Case (The Innovator)
Innovation never sleeps. The engineers at Pelican Products discovered a way to reduce the weight of the case without compromising the structural integrity. By using a next generation HPX² resin, they created the Peli Air range. These cases are up to 40% lighter than the Protector series. For our clients in photography, media, and field service who carry their gear by hand, Peli Air is the game changer. It reduces baggage fees and fatigue.
3. The Peli Storm Case (The Refined Choice)
Originally manufactured by Hardigg Industries before they were acquired by Pelican, the Storm range brings a different tactile experience. The key difference is the Press and Pull latch, which operates silently and smoothly. The resin used in Storm cases is also slightly different, offering excellent resilience in freezing temperatures.
The PottertonPacs Advantage: Customisation
Buying a Pelican UK case is the first step in protecting your equipment. The second step is ensuring the equipment inside does not rattle around.
A case is only as good as its interior. At PottertonPacs, we move beyond box shifting to provide full engineering solutions. We are specialists in the design and manufacture of custom foam interiors.
When you place a bulk order for Pelican cases with us, we do not just ship you empty boxes. We work with you to design a bespoke foam insert that perfectly nests your specific tools, cameras, or medical devices.
• CNC Routing and Water Jet Cutting: We use advanced machinery to cut high density foam with millimetre precision.
• Layered Protection: We can bond different densities of foam together using a hard foam for durability on the bottom and a softer foam for cushioning on top.
• Coloured Foam: Many of our B2B clients utilise coloured foam layers (shadow foaming) for tool control. If a tool is missing, the bright coloured underlay is visible, alerting the user immediately.
Branding and Corporate Identity
For our B2B clients, a fleet of Pelican UK cases is also a mobile billboard. Whether your team is arriving at a film set, a construction site, or a client meeting, the presentation matters.
PottertonPacs offers comprehensive branding services. We can screen print your company logo, contact details, or safety instructions directly onto the lid of the case. We also offer high quality vinyl overlays and labels. This not only enhances your corporate image but also acts as a theft deterrent and helps identify your specific gear in busy environments like airports or shared workspaces.
The Lifetime Guarantee
One of the primary reasons PottertonPacs recommends Pelican UK products to our clients is the warranty. It is rare in the modern world to find a company that stands behind its product so completely.
Pelican cases (Peli) come with a legendary Guarantee of Excellence. The motto is simple: “You break it, we replace it… forever.”
This warranty covers the case against breakage or defects in workmanship for a lifetime. For a procurement manager, this transforms the purchase from an expenditure into an investment. You are not buying a case that will need replacing in three years; you are buying a case that will last as long as the equipment inside it, and likely longer. Note: This guarantee applies to the case shell and hardware, not the foam or contents.
Industries That Rely on Pelican UK
Our order books at PottertonPacs reflect the diverse nature of British industry. The versatility of these cases means they are the standard carrier for widely different sectors:
• Emergency Services: From defibrillators to controlled drugs, paramedics need cases that are hygienic, robust, and easy to identify.
• Defence and Security: We supply cases that meet Def Stan and STANAG requirements for deployment in hostile environments.
• Broadcast and Film: With the high cost of cinema lenses and cameras, production insurance policies often mandate the use of hard cases like Pelican.
• Offshore Energy: Salt spray, rough seas, and heavy machinery make oil rigs dangerous places for electronics. The watertight seal of a Pelican case is essential here.
Partner with PottertonPacs for Your Pelican Needs
If you are looking for Pelican UK cases, you have found the right destination. PottertonPacs combines the global strength of the Pelican brand with the local expertise of a UK manufacturer.
We understand the specific logistics and supply chain needs of UK businesses. We hold extensive stock, offer trade pricing for bulk orders, and provide the value added services like custom foam and branding that turn a generic case into a professional tool.
Do not let the name difference confuse you. Whether you call it Pelican or Peli, it is the world’s toughest case, and it is available right now from PottertonPacs.
Contact our team today to discuss your requirements, request a quote for bulk volumes, or start the design process for your custom interiors.
