Powerful History

When the history of two brands spans more than a century, it is inevitable that their stories become intertwined with the events of the world at large. From the beginning, this has been the case for the DODGE and Reliance brands and for the Master and Reeves brands with which they are affiliated.

Coming off the heels of an industrial revolution that forever altered the world economy and changed the way Americans lived and worked, the invention of Wallace Dodge's Wood Split Pulley and rope drive contributed to the next wave of innovation and furthered the progression of the automation industry. But Dodge knew that the future was not in rope or wood; it was in cast iron. With the construction of his foundry, Dodge introduced his mechanical power transmission products to America and laid the groundwork for tremendous achievements to come.

Though industry and the automobile would soon go hand-in-hand, in the early days of its invention, the automobile was widely seen as a passing fancy. But to inventor Milton O. Reeves, the quest for the automobile was real science, and in 1894 Reeves completed the Motocycle, one of the first five automobiles invented in America and the only one that operated at variable speeds.

In the years to come, when war touched the world, America sent out a call to industry to support its efforts abroad, the DODGE and Reliance brands answered. During this time, the DODGE Manufacturing Company not only broke records for standard parts produced for World War I, but also manufactured marine engines, rammers for heavy artillery, wing struts, and fuselages for simple planes. At the same time, the Master Electric Company in Dayton , Ohio was producing motors and gearmotors for distribution throughout America , sustaining our industry at home just as our nation struggled to promote democracy abroad.

During WWII, the brands once again rallied to the nation's call, as the war created a market for specialized power transmission products. DODGE responded with marine bearings, stern tubes, and shipping tubes for the B-17 bomber engine, earning the prestigious Army-Navy "E" award. At the same time, more than half of Reliance's output was used for war, troop, and supply ships, earning the Navy "E" award for outstanding effort in the production of material vital to winning the war.

By the mid-twentieth century, the horror of world war was behind America , and the future appeared to be written in the stars. Though the Soviets would beat the United States by sending into orbit the first artificial satellite when they launched Sputnik in October of 1957, America persisted in its plans to launch its own satellite, Vanguard I, and succeeded in doing so in March of 1958. This feat was accomplished with the help of Reliance engineers, whose large dynamometer V*S test stand drive set new standards unmatched by existing equipment and played a role in helping to further America's success in the space program.

At the same time that Reliance engineers were helping to pave the way for manned space flight, they were also helping the U.S. Navy to explore the depths of the sea. Reliance motor engineers were pioneers in developing and perfecting the high reliability navy motors required in applications throughout U.S. submarines and other naval vessels. Their work strengthened America 's fleet during a time when military strength seemed our country's best, and perhaps only, means of maintaining peace.

But not all threats to our society were military. During the 1970's, America found itself in the midst of two distinct energy crises. In response, Reliance led the industry in developing higher efficiency motors and motor testing standards. In the early part of the 21st century, when energy once again became a topic too big to ignore, Reliance was still there, explaining the benefits of energy efficient products to customers, industry groups, and even the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

The history of the DODGE and Reliance brands, as well as that of the Master and Reeves brands, is an important part of what makes Rockwell Automation a strong company today. This history is clearly visible in our products, our people, and our manufacturing expertise. Throughout the last century, the DODGE and Reliance brands have played crucial roles in some of the most important and formative events our world may ever know. With the continued support and dedication of our employees, customers, and partners, we eagerly await and embrace our opportunities to make an equal mark on the next century and beyond.