OTC Celebrates 85 Years of Innovation - aftermarketNews

OTC Celebrates 85 Years of Innovation

Company has evolved from a twentieth century special service tools provider to become a world leader in automotive aftermarket specialty tools and equipment.

LAS VEGAS — The 85th anniversary of the founding of Owatonna Tool Company (now the OTC brand of SPX Corp.) was celebrated this week at AAPEX in Las Vegas, marked by the placement of large, colorful historical banners in the company’s booth at the show.

OTC began as a small Owatonna machine shop operated by Reuben Kaplan in the early 1920s. In his work, Kaplan saw a need for special-purpose tools to service the automobiles of the day. One of his first innovations was the "Grip-O-Matic" universal gear puller, for which he received his first patent. The tool remains virtually unchanged to this day. Copied throughout the world, it is testimony to the soundness of his original design, the company notes. Building on this success, Kaplan founded OTC in 1925.
 
A few years later, Kaplan also invented special service tools for working on Model T planetary transmissions. Success continued and, by 1934, OTC had a substantial selection of mechanic’s tools being peddled to farmers, service stations and garages all over the country. The tools were sold directly to the customer from makeshift display boards fitted into panel trucks or converted autos.
 
When World War II broke out in 1939, the U.S. Army and Navy began buying large quantities of OTC tools, and the company received five "E" for excellence awards from the government for superior performance in meeting the critical needs of the military. By 1945, the company had doubled its staff.

Then, in 1950, when the OTC mechanical puller needed hydraulic power, Kaplan began his pioneering efforts in ultra-high-pressure fluid power technology, a technology virtually untouched by hydraulics manufacturers of the day. One notable development was a twin-cylinder ram that operated at 10,000 p.s.i.-pressure almost unheard of until many years later. During his career, Kaplan was granted 15 patents, was the guiding force behind many others and created hundreds of other specialty tools, the company says.
 
By 1985, OTC had an extensive line of tools and systems for both OEM and aftermarket customers. That success led to its acquisition by Sealed Power Corp. (now known as SPX Corp.) of Muskegon, Mich. In the ensuing years, OTC has taken a leadership position in the growing field of electronic diagnostics including the Genisys scan tool and more recently the innovative Pegisys diagnostic system.

Today, as a vital SPX brand within SPX Service Solutions, OTC is a major global supplier of vehicle electronic diagnostic instruments; fuel systems service tools; special service tools; general purpose tools; pullers; heavy-duty tools; shop equipment and hydraulic components.

"This anniversary is a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge our rich company history, and to show appreciation for what has become the world’s foremost automotive aftermarket brand," says Tanvir Arfi, president of SPX Service Solutions. "This is also an opportunity to send heartfelt thanks for the valued contributions from thousands of employees associated with the company and brand over the past 85 years. They have truly made a difference."

"Going forward, we are focused on developing tools that help vehicle technicians meet the demands of new and evolving technology, new government regulations and the changing vehicle service and repair landscape,” added Arfi. “OTC is a major contributor to our success in these efforts now and in the future."

You May Also Like

Dana Participating in Easter Jeep Safari

The event will take place in Moab, Utah, March 23-31.

Dana to Participate in Easter Jeep Safari 2024

Dana Incorporated will participate in Easter Jeep Safari 2024, held March 23-31 in Moab, Utah. Dana products will be on site and available for demonstrations.

“At Dana, we are committed to rigorously testing and validating our products in the most challenging conditions to guarantee superior quality, durability, and performance,” said Bill Nunnery, senior director, sales and marketing, global aftermarket for Dana. “Easter Jeep Safari features rugged trails that offer us an ideal terrain for product trials. The event also gives us the opportunity to engage with Jeep enthusiasts and understand how we can enhance their off-road experiences through vehicle customizations.”

ZF Aftermarket Releases 80 New Parts

The latest additions expand coverage to more than 5 million vehicles in operation.

ZF Aftermarket Releases 80 New Parts
Schaeffler Highlights ESG Progress in 2023 Sustainability Report

Schaeffler is currently focusing on seven key ESG goals in the implementation of its sustainability strategy.

Schaeffler 2023 Sustainability Report
CMA, DoubleCoin to Showcase Long-Haul Steer Tires at MATS

Company reps will be on-site to answer questions, schedule meetings and coordinate a raffle of outdoor sporting equipment in booth #11140.

tire-distribution-outlook-tire-rack
GB Reman to Host Jackpot Giveaway Winner at Long Beach Grand Prix

Jon Hetzel, owner of Hesski ServiCenter in Levittown, Pennsylvania, will join GB Reman in the company’s hometown next month

GB Reman to Host Jackpot Giveaway Winner at Grand Prix of Long Beach

Other Posts

Bendix Surpasses Worker Safety Goals

Bendix says its Total Case Improvement Rate improved since 2022.

Bendix Announces Worker Safety Statistics
New Rislone ‘DEF Crystal Clean’ Clears P20EE Codes

The product scrubs away crystal contaminants from the selective catalytic reduction systems of diesel cars, trucks and SUVs.

New Rislone DEF Crystal Clean Diesel DEF & SCR Emissions System Cleaner Announced
SMP Announces New Oil Filter Housing Kits

The kits feature multiple design improvements to prevent leaks, according to SMP.

SMP Announces New Oil Filter Housing Kits
NTK Technologies Announces Merger into Niterra North America

The merger will take effect on April 1, and NTK Technologies will begin operating under Niterra North America Inc.

Niterra Merger