Our History

A Legacy of Innovation

Driven by Entrepreneurial Spirit

Since 1878, Dodge has been discovering solutions that make industry operations easier. From the Independence Split Wood Pulley to Smart Sensors for mechanical products, our innovations have evolved to push entire industries forward. Every day, we honor the legacy of innovation that originated with our founder, Wallace Dodge. And we eagerly continue looking ahead to what we can achieve next.

Wallace Dodge

The Dodge Timeline

From Innovative Beginnings to Global Industry Leadership

1878

Wallace Dodge founded Dodge Manufacturing Co. to produce Magic Wagon Jacks

1882

Introduced the Independence Split Wood Pulley and interchangeable bushing concept

1905

Began building cast iron pulleys

1923

Dodge introduced the Type C split tapered bearing

1933

Dodge helped found MPTA (Mechanical Power Transmission Assoc) and CEMA (Conveyor Equipment Manufactures Assoc)

1939

Introduced the first Taper-Lock bushing

1943

Introduced the first Type E bearing in the market

1944

The first Dodge School of Transmissioneering was held

1949

Dodge entered the gearing business with the introduction of the first Torque Arm gear reducer

1971

Dodge opened manufacturing plant in Rogersville, TN

1972

The Twin Tapered bushing system was introduced; an innovation making Dodge #1 in this space for the next 50 years

1977

Dodge opened manufacturing plant in Greenville, SC

1979

The Asheville, NC manufacturing plant opened

1995

The Belton, SC manufacturing plant opened

1996

The Imperial spherical roller bearing was introduced; Marion, NC manufacturing plant opened

2000

Dodge opened manufacturing plant in Shanghai, China

2009

Ultra Kleen mounted ball bearings launched

2014

Launch of Food Safe reducer, Quantis Ultra Kleen

2016

Released Raptor, an elastomeric split-tire coupling with patented WingLock technology

2018

Smart sensor for mechanical products was introduced

2019

Launched Food Safe bearing, with first IP69 water protection rating

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