Gleason Corporation is celebrating a significant milestone this year as it marks its 160th anniversary. Established in 1865 by William Gleason, the company has grown from a modest workshop into a global leader in gear technology. Today, Gleason offers a broad range of solutions, including design software, manufacturing equipment, tooling, metrology services, and a comprehensive training program.
The company’s journey began with the creation of the first bevel gear planer in 1874, a groundbreaking invention that revolutionized the gear manufacturing industry. This innovation was just the beginning for Gleason, which continued to lead the way with many more technological advancements. Gleason products have played a role in key moments of history, such as helping build the Panama Canal in 1903 and inventing the Spiral Bevel Gear in 1913. Other major contributions include the hypoid gear, transmissions for the Sherman tank in World War II, Curvic couplings and crucial components for the Apollo space missions, and the development of the Phoenix and Genesis Machine series.
In addition to organic growth, Gleason has expanded its reach through strategic acquisitions. These include Hurth Maschinen und Werkzeuge in Munich, the Hermann Pfauter Group in Ludwigsburg, and the addition of metrology systems, automation solutions, and plastic gears to its product range. These acquisitions have not only expanded Gleason’s product offerings but also its global presence, with new manufacturing and service sites in industrial hubs like Suzhou, China, and Bangalore, India.
In 2017, Gleason made another significant move by acquiring Swiss-based KISSsoft AG, a leader in gear design and simulation software. This acquisition allowed Gleason to become the first company in the industry to offer a complete “gear technology ecosystem,” combining design, manufacturing, and metrology solutions across virtually all gear types.
John J. Perrotti, chairman and CEO of Gleason Corporation, expressed pride in the company’s achievements: “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.”
