This year marks an important milestone for
Gleason Corporation which celebrates its 160th anniversary. Founded in 1865 by William Gleason, the company has transformed from a small workshop to a global leader in gear technology, offering comprehensive solutions that encompass design software, manufacturing and metrology equipment, tooling, aftermarket services, and an extensive training programme.
Gleason’s journey began with the invention of the first bevel gear planer in 1874, a revolutionary development that significantly propelled the gear manufacturing industry forward. This innovation was the first of many that established Gleason as a pioneer in gear technology, contributing to many historical technology milestones. Gleason products helped shape the Panama Canal in 1903, invented the Spiral Bevel Gear in 1913, a few years later the hypoid gear, provided transmissions for the Sherman tank in World War II, Curvic couplings and critical geared components for the Apollo space missions, as well as breakthrough technologies like the Phoenix and Genesis Machine series.
Over the years, in addition to organic growth, Gleason has expanded its reach and capabilities through the strategic acquisitions of Hurth Maschinen und Werkzeuge in Munich, the Hermann Pfauter Group in Ludwigsburg, and adding metrology systems, automation solutions and plastic gears to its product range.
These strategic additions have not only expanded its product offerings but also its geographical footprint, establishing manufacturing and service sites in major industrial hubs around the world, including ‘state of the art’ factories built in Suzhou (China), and Bangalore (India). In 2017, Gleason acquired Swiss KISSsoft AG, integrating leading gear design and simulation software into its portfolio, becoming the first company in the industry to combine design, manufacturing and metrology elements across virtually all gear types into a ‘gear technology ecosystem’.
John J Perrotti, chairman and CEO of Gleason Corporation, said: “We are proud of our rich history and the groundbreaking innovations we have developed. Celebrating 160 years is not just about looking back with pride, but also about looking forward to continuing our commitment to excellence, customer focus, and technological leadership.”