Parker Hannifin Celebrates 100 Years
Parker Hannifin Corporation today is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding on 13 March, 1917 and has launched a centennial website at www.parker.com/centennial.
The Parker Appliance Company, a manufacturer of pneumatic brake systems and leak-free fittings, was founded by Arthur L. Parker and developed in the early years with his business partner Carl Klamm in a small loft in Cleveland, Ohio. The first patent issued in Mr Parker’s name details a hydraulic device which regulates the speed of electric generators. In the century since, the company has been granted more than 8,000 patents, helping to set the pace of technological innovation in a wide range of diversified industrial and aerospace markets, including life sciences, oil and gas, construction and agriculture.
The entrepreneurial spirit established by Mr Parker is reflected clearly in the company Parker has become, with more than 55,000 team members exploring new ways to help customers improve their productivity and profitability, and expand the bounds of motion and control technology. Parker maintains a strong cultural philosophy that originated with Mr Parker himself as detailed in a 1930’s speech to employees in which he said, “Our success is founded on fair dealing, hard work, coordination of effort, and quality products.”
Parker’s operations span more than 300 facilities in over 50 countries and extends through more than 13,000 independent distribution partners and 3,000 plus ParkerStore industrial retail locations. Parker will celebrate its centennial milestone through a series of events throughout the year.