Gleason Corporation Celebrates 160 Years of Innovation in Gear Technology

In 2025, Gleason Corporation marks an extraordinary milestone—its 160th anniversary. Founded in 1865 by William Gleason, the company has grown from a small workshop into a global leader in gear technology, offering an expansive array of products and services, including design software, manufacturing and metrology equipment, tooling, aftermarket services, and a comprehensive training program.

Gleason’s journey began with the invention of the first bevel gear planer in 1874, a breakthrough innovation that revolutionized the gear manufacturing industry. This invention was just the beginning of a series of landmark achievements that positioned Gleason as a pioneer in gear technology. Over the decades, Gleason products have been central to numerous historical milestones, including their contribution to the construction of the Panama Canal in 1903, the invention of the Spiral Bevel Gear in 1913, and the hypoid gear a few years later. During World War II, Gleason supplied transmissions for the famous Sherman tank, and its innovations like the Curvic® Couplings and critical geared components were vital for Apollo space missions. Additionally, breakthrough technologies like the Phoenix® and Genesis® Machine Series continue to drive the company’s success.

Throughout its history, Gleason has achieved significant growth, both organically and through strategic acquisitions. Key acquisitions include Hurth Maschinen und Werkzeuge in Munich, the Hermann Pfauter Group in Ludwigsburg, Germany, and the addition of metrology systems, automation solutions, and plastic gears to its product offerings. These strategic moves expanded Gleason’s geographical reach and product portfolio, with advanced manufacturing and service facilities established in key industrial hubs globally, including Suzhou, China, and Bangalore, India. In 2017, the acquisition of Swiss KISSsoft AG further strengthened Gleason’s position in the industry, integrating leading gear design and simulation software into its offering, and creating the first comprehensive Gear Technology Ecosystem that combines design, manufacturing, and metrology for virtually all gear types.

John J. Perrotti, Chairman and CEO of Gleason Corporation, shared, “We are proud of our rich history and the groundbreaking innovations we have driven in the past 160 years. 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.”

Today, Gleason Corporation remains at the forefront of the gear technology industry, continuing to provide high-precision, innovative solutions that meet the ever-evolving needs of its global customers.

Gleason is a global leader in gear technology, offering Total Gear Solutions ranging from gear and transmission design software to the development and production of gear manufacturing machines, gear metrology equipment, and automation systems. The company serves a wide range of industries, including automotive, commercial vehicle, aerospace, agriculture, mining, energy, construction, power tools, marine, and many more. With manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, India, China, and Japan, as well as sales and service offices around the world, Gleason continues to lead in providing cutting-edge solutions in gear manufacturing.

Gleason, Curvic, Phoenix, Genesis are registered trademarks or trademarks of The Gleason Works in the United States and/or other countries. KISSsoft is a registered trademark of KISSsoft AG, Bubikon, Switzerland. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.