In 2020, Peterson Mfg. celebrates 75 years of supplying the vehicle safety lighting market with a line of U.S.-made products.
Founded in 1945 and owned by the Armacost family since 1956, Peterson has grown to a quarter-billion-dollar, multi-faceted corporation serving customers across America, Canada, Mexico, Europe, South America, Australia, New Zealand, China, and the Middle East.
President and CEO, Don Armacost, Jr., whose father acquired the business, credits the company’s success to its long history of square dealings with customers, suppliers and employees.
“That tradition has brought us a long way,” he said. “We’re not about to change it.”
From its 44-acre Grandview, Mont., corporate campus, Peterson now operates a 670,000-square-foot facility staffed and equipped for manufacturing. The vertically integrated operation includes engineering and design, photometric and environmental testing, tool and die production, harness and wire manufacturing, plastic injection molding, final assembly, warehousing, sales and customer service.
“Peterson’s history is replete with safety lighting innovations,” said Steve Meagher, VP of sales. “With our focus, engineering skills and manufacturing expertise, Peterson’s ability to bring real solutions to the marketplace is unsurpassed.”
That focus includes aggressive support of the automotive aftermarket, as well as the OE and heavy-duty sectors.
“First in the industry with our vibration-proof Vibar socket,” said Kristen Goodson, VP of product management. “First North American manufacturer to earn ISO 9001/QS-9000 certification. First with our multi-function Strobe & Turn LEDs for the refuse industry. First manufacturer to introduce insert-molding technology.”
“While we celebrate our 75th year,” said Armacost, “my dad’s vision for Peterson and our extraordinary associates will continue to guide our future. ‘Our goal has never been to be the biggest,’ dad said. ‘Just the best.’”
