WARN winch

Founded:
1948

Employees:
Over 550

Company Profile:
The company designs, manufactures and markets a full line of off-road equipment and accessories that enhance the performance of four-wheel-drive vehicles, ATV’s and utility vehicles. The company’s Industrial Division markets electric and hydraulic winches and hoists to commercial, industrial and severe duty customers. Warn also has a line of utility winches and hoists that are designed for professional trade workers and do-it-yourself consumers who need powerful tools to assist them in pulling, hauling, dragging or lifting. Warn focuses on three specific markets – Consumer Aftermarket, Industrial/Commercial, and Original Equipment. With customers in over 65 countries, WARN is one of the world’s most recognized brands in vehicle performance enhancing equipment.

History:
Arthur and Sadie Warn started a Willy’s dealership in Southpark, Washington in the 1930’s, and founded Warn Industries on June 10, 1948. Warn Industries began with one man’s idea for converting thousands of surplus World War II Jeeps into useful, on-road vehicles. Arthur Warn’s extraordinary invention of wheel locking hubs revolutionized the automotive industry. Arthur’s original idea was a bolt on-bolt off hub model, and he held numerous patents. Originally, Arthur made door to door sales in Seattle, but Sadie saw a larger market and placed ads in Popular Mechanics, which started the mail order business. With orders coming in, they were challenged to build enough hubs to meet demand. Arthur started working with Belleview Manufacturing in Portland, a small four man operation working out of a two car garage. By 1954, WARN locking hubs were offered as optional factory equipment by major domestic automotive manufacturers.

The WARN winch, developed in 1959, was the first recreational winch. With pioneering features such as a rugged drive train, the WARN winch quickly became the leading brand for off-road racers, avid four wheelers, weekend adventurers and hard working ranchers. In the 1970’s, Warn established its long-time relationship with Ford, with initial production of 20,000 hub sets per month for the F-Series pickups and Broncos. Thurston Warn was named President in 1968, and in the 1980’s Arthur’s grandsons (Michael and Daniel) became Board Members. Mike Warn was named CEO in 1984. In the 1990’s Warn created the ATV/UTV winch market.

In 2000, Mike Warn, sold the family owned business. Jon Kreitz, former Warn CEO, led a management buyout with institutional investors, Endeavour Capital & Norwest Equity. Warn was acquired by Dover Corporation in October 2003 and is part of a multi-billion dollar, global manufacturer of diversified products. Dover is (DOV) on the New York Stock Exchange. (www.dovercorporation.com)

To comply with automotive industry standards, Warn obtained ISO/TS certification in 2004. In 2005, Warn opened a sales office in the Netherlands, added two domestic distribution centers and for a short time, expanded production with a facility in Mexico. In 2005, Jon Kreitz retired from Warn, and Thomas Giacomini was selected as Warn’s CEO/President. In 2005 and 2006, Warn brought several innovative products to the market, including the PowerPlant compressor winch and the PullzAll.

In late 2007, Thomas Giacomini was promoted to Dover, and John McCalla was promoted to Warn’s CEO. In 2007, Warn developed the 18,000 lb. winch for the tow/recovery, severe duty markets and was selected to provide all vehicle self recovery winches for the U.S. military’s MRAP program.

Warn celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2008 by releasing the XL product line (20-30,000 lb. hydraulic winches) for use on trailers and in the tow/recovery market. Also, Warn introduced the first fan cooled electric winch for recreational users.

In 2009, Warn provided winches to the US military’s M-ATV program; and launched the new ProVantage plow system for ATVs and UTVs. In 2010, Warn also supplied winches to the US Military for the MRAP vehicles. Warn offered a new severe duty hub to the market, which is on FABCO vehicles, and our utility line of winches were re-introduced under the WARN brand.

In 2011, John Stransky was named President of Warn. The revolutionary new Olympus winch was released, showcasing Warn’s legendary engineering capabilities. Also in 2011, Warn released the VR winch line, targeted at the entry level consumer. In 2012, Warn released a new entry level powersports winch line (Vantage), as well as a new premium line (ProVantage) and an all new premium truck winch line (ZEON). Warn also introduced the Warn Authorized Retail Network program, to ensure that WARN products are sold to consumers through Authorized Retailers and dealers, that can provide a high level of customer service, product knowledge and a positive selling experience

In 2014, Warn launched the ZEON Platinum winch line – the most technically advanced winch on the market, with the industryss first remote clutch, using an advanced wireless remote. The aftermarket premium locking hubs were launched for 2005+ Ford SuperDuty trucks that offer new styling, and a more robust design that allows for easier installation and maintenance. Also introduced were a full line of replacement synthetic ropes and rope extensions, LED lights for truck and Powersports applications, and the innovative drill-powered portable winch.

Manufacturing, Research & Development:
Warn operates over 400,000 sq. ft. in two Oregon manufacturing facilities and a technical facility in Livonia, Michigan. Warn holds quality certifications for ISO/TS 16949:2009, ISO 9001:2008, and environmental certification ISO 14001:2004. Warn has over 110 patents, and continues a long history of new product innovation.

Products:
Warn manufactures 600+ products for Automotive, Powersports, Industrial and Commercial users. From self recovery winches and mounting systems to wheel end and driveline disconnects, customers have chosen WARN products for their durability, reliability and dependability.

Sales & Service:
WARN products are distributed primarily through distributors and OEM’s such as Ford, AM General, Chrysler, Kia, Land Rover, Oshkosh, Navistar, Arctic Cat, Bombardier, John Deere, Kawasaki, Kubota, Polaris, Suzuki, Yamaha and Honda. In North America, Warn has a Red Letter dealer program, comprising of elite retail outlets that provide consumers with the highest level of WARN product and service.

Executive Management
John Stransky, President
Eric Winston, CFO
Eric Banks, Vice President of Operations
Ian Wendler, Vice President of Engineering
Laurel Smith, Vice President of Marketing

Awards:
Warn Industries has won many key corporate and product awards, including:

	2014 SEMA International Product Award, Global Media Award for ZEON Platinum 10-S, FB Life (China); Action 4×4 Magazine (France) and Overlander 4WD (China)
	2014 World Excellence Award, Ford Motor Company, Gold Winner
	2013 SEMA International Product Awards for the ZEON 8000-S from FB Life; Overlander 4WD Magazine; and Action 4X4 Magazine
	2013 SEMA Award for Best New Powersports Product Runner Up, for Vantage 3000-S winch.
	2012 SEMA Award for Best New Powersports Product Runner Up, for XT17 portable winch with synthetic rope
	2011 World Excellence Award, Ford Motor Company, Silver Award Winner
	2011 Product Excellence Award, Outstanding 2011 Project Vehicle at SEMA Show, Ford Motor Company
	2011 eBay People’s Choice award for “Favorite Winch”
	2011 SEMA International Product Award, Global Media Award/Motorsport.com, for the VR 10,000 winch with synthetic
	2011 SEMA/Popular Mechanics Editor’s Choice award for the Molalla Mount winch accessory
	2010 eBay People’s Choice award for “Favorite Winch”
	2010 SEMA International Product Award, Global Media Award/Overlander 4WD Magazine, for 9.5cti winch
	2010 SEMA International Product Award, Global Media Award/Action 4X4 Magazine, for 9.5cti winch
	2010 Nifty Fifty Product Award: Powersports dual battery kit, Powersports Business Magazine
	2009 World Excellence Award, Ford Motor Company, Silver Winner in highest standards of technology, quality and cost.
	2009 Supplier Excellence Award, Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, Bronze Award in recognition of outstanding performance.
	2009 SEMA International Product Award, Global Media Award, new Light line for trucks
	2008 World Excellence Award, Ford Motor Company, Silver Winner in highest standards of technology, quality and cost.
	2007 World Excellence Award, Ford Motor Company, Gold Winner in highest standards of technology, quality and cost.
	2007 SEMA Best New Tools and Equipment Product: WARN Works PullzAll
	2007 SEMA International Product Award, Bilsport Magazine (Sweden): WARN Works PullzAll
	2007 SEMA International Product Award, South African 4×4 Off-Road Adventure Magazine, Warn Air-Power VTC
	2007 SEMA International Product Award, 4WD Magazine (Canada), Warn Air-Power VTC
	2007 Nifty Fifty Award: Powersports Wireless Control System, Powersports Business Magazine
	2007 Innovation Award: PullzAll, Handy Magazine
	2006 SEMA Award for Best New Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product for PowerPlant
	2006 SEMA Editor’s Choice Award, Popular Mechanics, for PowerPlant
	2006 SEMA Design Award for Best New Accessory, General Motors, for PowerPlant
	2006 SEMA Runner Up Award for Best New Packaging Design for PowerPlant
	2006 SEMA International Product Award, 4×4 Australia Magazine, for PowerPlant
	2006 SEMA International Product Award, Car Magazine (South Africa), for PowerPlant
	2006 SEMA International Product Award, sa4x4 Magazine (South Africa), for PowerPlant
	2006 SEMA International Product Award, Auto Zulia Magazine (Venezuela), for PowerPlant
	2006 Nifty 50 Products – Synthetic Rope line of ATV winches, Powersports Business Magazine
	2006 Best 4×4 ATV, Annual ATV & OffRoad Expo (Portland, Oregon)
	2006 People’s Choice, Annual ATV & OffRoad Expo (Portland, Oregon)
	2005 STAR Achievement Award, Polaris Industries, Inc.
	2005 Quality Achievement Award, Polaris Industries, Inc.
	2005 Company of the Year Award, APICS Portland Chapter
	2005 World Excellence Award, Recognition of Achievement, High Mileage Improvement, Ford Motor Company
	2005 Customer of the Year in Recognition of Significant Employment Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities, Mid Valley Rehabilitation, Inc.
	2005 Editor’s Choice Award – SnoWinch 1.5, Popular Mechanics
	2005 SEMA International New Products Award – WARN Works 3200AC-R, Four by Four Australia Magazine
	2005 Nifty 50 Products – SnoWinch 1.5, Powersports Business Magazine
	2005 Company of the Year Award, Operations Management
	Editors’ Choice Award for Leadership & Innovation (WARN Works 3200AC-R), ProSales
	Dover Corporation’s Best of the Best, 2002-2004 Results
	2004 Dover Resources’ Drum Beater Award for operation and performance excellence
	2004 Hearts and Hands Award / Organization Category for Volunteerism, Clackamas County Board of Commissioners
	2004 Star Award, Acknowledging Top Suppliers & Cost Reduction Suggestions, Polaris Industries
	2004 Quality Achievement Award, Polaris Industries
	2004 SOLV Citizenship Award for its outstanding commitment to keeping Oregon beautiful
	100 Most Influential Powersports Companies 1998-2003, Powersports Business, Editors Selection
	2003 Triple Star Award Acknowledging Top Suppliers, Polaris Industries
	2003 Excellence in Customer Service Award, Large Business Category, Better Business Bureau/Oregon & SW Washington
	2003 Finalist, Business of the Year, Better Business Bureau/Oregon & SW Washington
	2003 Industrial Design Excellence Awards, Business Week, WARN Works Utility Winches: Gold, Business and Industrial Products.
	2003 Hearts and Hands Award, from Clackamas County Board of Commissioners for Outstanding Volunteer Service in Clackamas County
	2002 Manufacturer of the Year from Performance Warehouse Association
	2002 Editor’s Choice Award, Popular Mechanics, for WARN 9.5si winch
	2001 Editor’s Choice Award, Popular Mechanics, for WARN PowerMate Kit
	47th in Oregon’s Top 150 Private Companies, Oregon Business Magazine, July 2001
	2001 Outstanding Achievement in Manufacturing, Society of Manufacturing Engineers
	2000 SEMA Editor’s Choice Award, Popular Mechanics, for M15000 Self-Recovery Winch
	1997 SEMA Best New Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product Award
	1996 SEMA Best New Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product Runner-Up Award
	1993 SEMA Best New Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product Award
	1989 SEMA Best New Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product
	1989 SEMA Runner Up Award