Gearmatic began in 1946 in Vancouver, British Columbia, when founder Frank Lawrence introduced the quick-shift Gearmatic transmission. In addition to this and other innovative products, Lawrence developed a mechanical winch which was enthusiastically accepted by the logging industry in the Pacific Northwest. In 1960, the company built its first winch with planetary gearing and a hydraulic motor.
In 1963, PACCAR acquired Gearmatic, an early pioneer in planetary gear train designs known for producing well-built products and maintaining exceptionally high standards of quality.
Today, the Gearmatic brand is focused on hydraulic planetary winches and hoists for mobile crane, fishing and marine, dredging and pipelaying applications.
