When Caterpillar needed a turbo developed for its D9 tractor in 1953, it didn’t call an automotive supplier, it called the Garrett Corporation.
That original turbocharger proved such an enormous success that the following year Garrett launched its AiResearch Division, a business unit dedicated solely to the development and manufacture of turbos.
The rest as they say is history, so let’s take a short drive through a turbo timeline…
The heritage of the turbo business began in 1936 when young Cliff Garrett formed his company in a tiny, one-room office in Los Angeles. With encouragement and financial support from friends like Jack Northrop and Harry Wetzel, plus $5,000 he borrowed on his own, Garrett founded the company that would later become the Garrett Corporation. Number of employees: 1. Number of customers: 1.
Today, that business couldn't be more different. Over time, the turbocharging business spun off to establish itself as a serious player in the engine boosting industry. Garrett's product is produced by over 6,000 employees and serves the leading global engine and vehicle manufacturers, including Audi, BMW, DaimlerChrysler, DDC, Fiat, Ford, International Truck Co, Peugeot, Renault, Saab and Volkswagen.
Through names such as AiResearch, AlliedSignal, and the Honeywell of today, Garrett has sustained its reputation for revolutionizing turbocharger technologies generation after generation. From its long list of industry firsts to its leading-edge patented dual-ball bearing turbos for high performance vehicles, Garrett develops and manufactures the same cutting-edge boosting expertise that goes into all Garrett products. The fact that Garrett turbochargers are the preferred choice of leading original equipment manufacturers and many top race teams in CART, World Rally, American Le Mans, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Pikes Peak are a telling example.
Today, Garrett continues to redefine the art and science of boosting technology with advanced air management systems for the full spectrum of modern engines. With over 30,000 turbos produced every day, you know the Garrett name is one you can trust.