Woodward history

Importantly, in 1898, when he was 36 years old, Elmer received a patent for a governor that was an improvement over the one his father had designed.

Amazingly, the company's ranks swelled from just 50 in 1935 to more than 1,600 during the war's peak.

Covert had joined the company in 1942, going to work in the lowly "snagging" room, where he shaved rough spots off of castings. "One day Mr.

Instituting the Corporate Partnership in 1946

Unfortunately, Martin's health began deteriorating in 1975.

Covert passed away in December 1994 at the age of 70, and Halbrook assumed his position as chairman, announcing his commitment to continue cutting costs and improving the company's market stance.

In October 1996 Woodward Governor and Mountain View, California-based Catalytica, Inc. created a joint venture called GENXON Power Systems, LLC to market an aftermarket emission control system for industrial gas turbines.

The acquired company, which had revenues of $82 million in 1997, was subsequently renamed Woodward FST, Inc.

1998: Fuel Systems Textron, Inc. is acquired for $174.8 million and is renamed Woodward FST, Inc.

Woodward Generator also completed one acquisition during 2000: Hoeflich Controls, Inc., a maker of ignition systems for industrial gas engines, purchased in November.

Hoping to get in on the ground floor of a potentially burgeoning new sector, the company announced in December 2001 that it was entering the market for fuel cell control systems.

Woodward Generator in April 2002 struck a seven-year, $350 million deal with GE Aircraft Engines to supply fuel delivery systems for engines used in regional and single-aisle aircraft.