Where
Smittybilt Began
Basil Smith, also known as “Smitty,” started his business
as Rock-ett Products in 1956 in his garage, with his main operation
as steel machine work. Being one of the original four wheel drive
enthusiasts, his chief interest was to develop special four wheel
drive equipment. Among the items Mr. Smith perfected were overdrive
conversions for four wheel drives, automatic locking front hub caps
for Jeeps, full floating axle conversions, a variety of engine adapters
and hangers, oversize brakes, improved soft tops for Jeeps, accessories
for Jeeps and tow bars.
In 1962, “Smitty”
purchased a house with a large lot in South El Monte, California.
Here he built the original Smittybilt building, and within three
years had several people working for him. In 1973, Basil tore down
his house and built a new building to help accommodate his expanding
business. In the same year, the company was incorporated and changed
its name to Smittybilt, Inc.
Over the years,
Smitty’s son, Tom worked at Smittybilt and ultimately took
over the management and ownership of the company in 1979. Having
been brought up around the shop and being constantly exposed to
the four wheel drive lifestyle, he was able to introduce new and
exciting ideas into the truck and sport utility aftermarket.
In 1992, Smittybilt
relocated to a new 50,000 square foot facility in Corona, CA and
in October of the same year added on another 50,000 square foot
warehouse. Continuing to grow and profit, Smittybilt was sold to
Lund International Holdings, an Atlanta based Corporation in January
of 1999.
Back in September
2002, Smittybilt was acquired by a small group of investors with
over 100 years of combined automotive aftermarket experience. The
purchase included both Smittybilt, Inc. and Trailmaster Suspension,
Inc., combining them under one name “Smittybilt Automotive
Group, Inc.” At the time of this acquisition, a new truck
and SUV accessory line focused on accessories for Jeep, cargo management
and travel and towing products was created under the name of Outland
by Smittybilt.
Where
Smittybilt Is Today
Since the acquisition in 2002, the Smittybilt Automotive Group experienced
exponential growth due to it’s expanding product line, innovative
new products and a commitment to the same quality standards that
“Smitty” set forth in his original business plan. In
April 2004, Smittybilt Automotive Group, Inc. sold the Trailmaster
Suspension Division of their business to concentrate on their core
strengths – supplying consumers, active dealers and distributors
worldwide with innovative functional accessories for Trucks and
SUV’s.
Now in a brand
new 130,000 square foot facility in Corona, California, Smittybilt
Automotive is committed to provide our customers with fresh trends
and superior quality parts. With over 100 new products and an annualized
growth rate of over 35%, the Smittybilt Automotive Group has stayed
in touch with the latest movements and is on the forefront of engineering
and design. Our quality control department ha been doubled over
the last year to ensure our product is only the finest available.
Where
Smittybilt Is Headed
In expanding growth, Smittybilt Automotive Group is determined to
provide consumers with consistent quality and design that symbolizes
trust and excellence. We are dedicated to supplying products that
stay in tuned with customer demand as well as offer accessories
that raise the bar with our sleek new designs and innovations.
Our path to
success is modeled by the philosophy of our founders –
“Develop
Products That Work, Last, and Look Great!”
