Type Public Parent organization Head | Founded 1910 | |
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Industry Sportswear and sports equipment Products Sports equipment
Accessories
Sportswear Website | ||
Penn Racquet Sports, Inc. is a subsidiary of Head N.V. that manufactures tennis balls and racquetballs. Penn was founded in 1910 as Pennsylvania Rubber Company of America, Inc. in Jeannette, Pennsylvania. Penn was acquired by Head N.V. in 1999 and is currently headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
History
In 1910, Penn began manufacturing tennis balls in Jeannette, Pennsylvania.
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.
Penn was chosen as the official tennis ball of the US Professional Tennis Association in 1973. Penn racquetballs are the official balls of the IRT and U.S. Racquetball Association.