Betts Company founder, William Michael Betts I
Since 1868, Betts Company has evolved from its humble beginnings as the first spring manufacturer west of the Mississippi into a diversified operation that serves heavy-duty transportation, automotive aftermarket, and other industrial sectors.
Betts Company’s legacy began during America’s post-war reconstruction era. Ingenuity was flourishing, and tradesmen were immigrating to the USA. Among them was William Michael Betts, an English ironworker who wanted to pioneer spring manufacturing in the west. With a bold move to San Francisco, young William launched his namesake company that quickly became known for expertly crafting springs for wagons and buggies of all kinds. Along the way, Betts’ reputation for quality, integrity, and ingenuity was built.
For the next 155 years, Betts became known as an industry leader for creating innovative, patented products made in the United States. A continuously family-owned business for six generations, Betts Company’s core values, known as The Betts Way, have been the guiding principles that inspire the company to Improve the Way Things Move® for customers, suppliers, and the communities in which it lives.
Today, Betts proudly serves the transportation and other industrial markets through its three business units – Betts Spring Manufacturing, Betts Truck Parts & Service, and BettsHD.
Betts Company Through The Years
1860
William Michael Betts I, a decorated English spring maker, sails to the United States in search of new opportunities
1868
Betts Spring Company is founded in San Francisco, California, making springs for carriages, streetcars and wagons
1871
Gold Medal at the San Francisco Mechanics’ Institute Exhibition for carriage springs, alongside Levi Strauss, Goodyear, and Ghirardelli
1906
Betts Spring Company, along with 80% of the City of San Francisco, is destroyed in the Great San Francisco Earthquake (rebuilt same year)
1954
The first spray suppression patent is issued to Betts Spring Company for the A21 coiled bar type hanger, establishing BettsHD
1956
BettsHD begins manufacturing and distributing spray suppression and safety products for heavy duty vehicles
1956
The first-spring loaded hanger for heavy duty trucks is developed by Betts Spring Company
1973
Betts Spring Manufacturing plant and headquarters relocated from San Francisco to San Leandro, CA
1988
Betts Truck Parts & Service opens its first location in San Leandro, California
2003
ISO Certification achieved, expanding opportunities in defense, aerospace, medical, and automotive
2007
Betts Company acquires Life-Time Fenders
2009
Betts Spring Company moves from San Leandro to Fresno, California
2010
Betts Spring Company formally becomes Betts Company with three divisions: Betts Spring Manufacturing, Betts Truck Parts & Service, and BettsHD
2015
Bill Betts becomes the sixth generation president of Betts Company and Mike Betts becomes chairman & CEO
2018
Betts Company celebrates 150 years of Improving the Way Things Move, and six generations of family ownership
2021
Betts Company is awarded Certified Evergreen status.
2023
Betts Spring Manufacturing acquires Sway-A-Way, Inc.
2024