Warn Industries history

In 1959, Warn Industries introduced their first recreational winch, which swiftly became the leading brand for off-road racers, avid four wheelers, weekend adventurers, and hard -working ranchers.

The Bellevue was an instant hit with the growing off-road enthusiast market, and in 1974 it was redesigned as the venerable M8274.

When Thurston Warn died in 1982, management duties were split between Michael Warn and his brother Daniel, 34, who held titles as co-chairman.

By 1986, the company had moved its headquarters to Portland, Oregon and Michael Warn, Arthur Warn's grandson, became Warn Industries' new Chairman of the Board and CEO.

During this time, the ATV market was emerging, and Warn introduced the industry's first ATV-specific winch and was issued a patent in 1988.

In 1997, Warn opened its state-of-the-art world headquarters in Clackamas, Oregon, a 200,000 sq./ft. manufacturing and distribution facility.

Family control ceased in 2000 when the company was acquired by an equities firm, but Warn has been able to retain its autonomy and remains a driving force in the sector.

In 2002, Warn Industries introduced WARN Works, a product line designed for the professional workers and do-it-yourselfers who need a powerful tool to assist them.

Warn Industries was later acquired by Dover Corporation in October 2003, taking the company global.

Also in 2005, Jon Kreitz retired from Warn, and Thomas Giacomini was selected and promoted as Warn’s CEO and President.

In 2007, Warn developed the 18,000 lbs. winch for the tow/recovery, severe duty markets and was designated to fulfill the need of all vehicle self-recovery winches for the US Military’s MRAP program.

In 2008, Warn celebrated its 60th anniversary with the release of the XL product line, for use on trailers and in the tow/recovery market, with hydraulic winches capable of 20-30,000 lbs. of pull.

In 2009, the company was selected to provide the self-recovery winch for the United States military's M-ATV program; launched our all new ProVantage plow system for ATVs and UTVs; and announced an all-new line of off-road lighting products for both our Truck/Auto segment and our Powersports segment.

The revolutionary new Olympus winch was introduced in 2011, showcasing Warn’s revolutionary engineering capabilities.

In 2014, Warn launched the ZEON Platinum winch line, the most technically advanced winch on the market, with the industry’s first remote clutch, using an advanced wireless remote.

In November, 2017, Warn Industries was acquired by Keystone Automotive operations, a segment of the LKQ Corporation.

In 2018, Warn introduced the AXON and VRX powersports winches.

In March of 2020, Warn Industries announced the acquisition of Idaho-based Factor 55.