Historical Timeline

Old Tregaskiss Building1960s

  • 1967 – In The Beginning...
    • William Tregaskiss, a toolmaker from England, establishes himself as an independent sales agent for automotive welding products within Michigan and Ontario.

 

Historical Photo of Auto 350 MIG Gun1970s

  • 1972 – Auto 350, The First Tregaskiss MIG Welding Gun Introduced
    • Tregaskiss recognizes the need for a durable MIG gun with a simple design to address the demanding environment of automotive plants and introduces the the Auto 350.  Designed in cooperation with Ford Motor Company, its reputation as a rugged tool quickly solidifies it as the standard in the auto industry.

 

1980s

  • T40 MIG Gun1980 – T40 MIG Welding Gun Launched
    • The next evolution of Tregaskiss MIG Welding Guns is developed based on the continuing needs of automotive customers.  The T40 introduces industry-leading new features that have become the standard on many brands today:  spring strain relief, 1-piece handle, spare switch leads, reversible cable, aluminum armored gooseneck.
  • 1983 – Growing with Distribution
    • Widespread demand for Tregaskiss MIG Guns in the Great Lakes Region results in the signing of the first welding distributor to support the product line.
  • 1986 – ISO Certified
    • Tregaskiss proactively pursues ISO certification and later achieves QS status.
  • 1989 – Europe and the World
    • Distribution in international markets begins with the Tregaskiss Euro Gun. Today, Tregaskiss MIG Products are sold in over 20 countries world-wide.

 

1990s

  • 1992 – Launched the TOUGH GUN™ Brand
    • Based on the ruggedness of the T40 Tregaskiss MIG Gun, the TOUGH GUN brand is born. New industry-first features include customization, interchangeability of parts, self-insulated nozzle, direct plug-in power pin, lifetime warranty on handles and switches.
  • Historical Photo of TOUGH GUN Robotic Gun and Reamer1992 – Pioneered Robotic Air-Cooled MIG Guns
    • Anticipating the growth of robotics in the auto industry, Tregaskiss puts significant focus on developing a line of robotic welding guns and accessories.  With emphasis on pioneering air-cooled robotic MIG guns, Tregaskiss helps to shift the industry away from water-cooled systems.
  • 1995 – Developed Robotic Peripherals
    • Leveraging its experience in the precision manufacturing of robotics, Tregaskiss augments its line with robotic peripherals to offer a turnkey package which includes an automatic nozzle cleaning station, wire cutter, anti-spatter sprayer, TOUGH GARD™ Anti-Spatter, precision gun mount arms, and safety clutch.
  • 1996 – Introduction of TOUGH LOCK™ Consumable System
    • R&D efforts results in the creation of the TOUGH LOCK Contact Tip System.  Through innovative design, this revolutionary system vastly outperforms older tip technology.

 

2000s

  • 2000 – TGX™ MIG Gun Brand Launched
    • Tregaskiss launches TGX Easy-As-1-2-3! a flexible program allowing distributors to minimize inventory and maximize MIG gun offerings.
  • New Facade on Tregaskiss HQ2003 – Building Expansion  to 90,000 sq. ft. and Award-winning
    • Corporate Facade Completed
  • 2005 – Tregaskiss Named One of Canada's 50 Best Managed
    • Companies
  • 2005 – Opened New Office in Shanghai, China
  • 2006 – Tregaskiss Requalified as One of Canada's 50 Best
    • Managed Companies
  • 2007 – The Tregaskiss Family Sold the Company to ITW