PEERLESS CHAIN
THE AMAZING STRIDES OF P
eerless Chain is truly a business to watch. In the last eight years, it has grown exponentially, acquired several smaller companies, moved from fourth to first in market share, and tripled its sales. Te company has expanded into several new markets as well: once primarily a retail
chain manufacturer, it now also makes chain for custom lifting, rigging, and many industrial applications. Tis is a remarkable success story, but Peerless also faces a new set of challenges - growing from what was once primarily a regional company to one that is entering the global arena.
Peerless Chain has been headquartered in Winona, Minnesota since it was started in 1917. Initially, it operated in a former butcher shop, where three Polish brothers hand- made tire chains for local farmers and for the military during World War I. Peerless manufactured exclusively tire chains up until the late 1930s, when it expanded into industrial markets. During World War II, it operated round the clock to make deck lashing chain for the Navy and exclusive Kwik-On tire chains for Army combat vehicles. It was then honored with the War Department’s “E” award for an exceptional contribution to the war effort. In the second half of the century, Peerless continued
Located in downtown Winona, MN, and formerly housing the Park Brewery Bottling Works, Peerless Chain expanded in this facility for over 50 years. The company eventually moved from this location due to recurrent flooding from the nearby Mississippi River.
22 MARCH-APRIL 2012 WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE
strong growth and expanded into new markets such as wire forms and overhead lifting. By the 1960s, the company had outgrown its former location, which although nicely situated in downtown Winona, was subject to flooding from the nearby Mississippi. In 1968, Peerless opened its current headquarters on the outskirts of Winona: a 15-acre complex that currently contains 325,000 square feet of manufacturing space. Although the company’s performance was strong, it
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