Premier Manufacturing recently announed the celebration of its centennial anniversary. The brand was founded by Dewey Weiss in Portland, Oregon, producing a pintle-style coupling for heavy-duty trucks and trailers. The brand is now a part of High Bar Brands.

Premier Manufacturing has grown from a small business in Portland to its current location in Tualatin, OR, where it produces couplings, drawbar eyes, dolly jacks, hinge assemblies, and front-end assemblies. Premier adds that it has long focused on innovation, evidenced by nearly 50 mechanical patents granted during its first 100 years in business. Five patents remain active, and all five were granted within the last ten years.

“People have come and gone, and ownership has changed, but one thing has remained constant: the drive, commitment, and employee pride,” said Operations Manager Todd Mitchell.

“I think major changes have occurred in our manufacturing process. For example, we still produce the 270 coupling, which was a staple when I started in the 1980s, but the techniques used today are vastly different,” Mitchell continued. “If you don’t focus on improving, it’s hard to make it ten years, let alone 100-plus. We will continue to work tirelessly to maintain the reputation that Premier has earned over the last century.”