About Us

1976
Torklift Central Welding opens its doors in Kent, WA, as a humble one-bay shop.

1981
Demand grows, and Torklift Central doubles in size with addition of two bays.

1988 - 1992
The expansion continues with the purchase of additional buildings and the demolition of the original building to make way for a larger shop.

1990
True Frame-Mounted Tie Downs are invented. They are the first product manufactured by Torklift and the first of their kind in the world.

1995
Torklift invests in its first CNC plasma cutter, bringing advanced fabrication into the shop.

1999
Torklift International is born, and the first SuperHitch and SuperTruss products are shipped --- marking the company's leap into manufacturing.

2003
The FastGun Turnbuckle launches, the first tie-down with a quick-disconnect handle, and quickly becomes a customer favorite.

2004
Production capacity jumps again with the addition of a dual-headed, high-definition CNC plasma cutter.

2011
Torklift moves into a larger, Sumner, WA facility to support rapid growth. EcoHitch debuts --- a concealed, bolt-on hitch designed for eco-friendly and hybrid vehicles, opening a whole new product category.

2013
Named Exporter of the Year and recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Washington for leadership and benefits.

2015
To make a statement, Torklift summits Mount Rainier to announce the GlowStep Revolution Uprising.

2016
Invested in advanced manufacturing technology with the addition of our first 4k flat plate fiber laser. Launched robotic welding automation with our first “Wolf” robotic welder, increasing precision and repeatability across key product lines.

2017
Expanded robotic welding capabilities with an additional robotic welder to support growing production demand. Founder Jon Kay passes away at age 76, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and integrity.

2018
Installed our first 6k fiber laser, significantly increasing cutting speed, efficiency, and material capacity. Added another robotic welding system to further enhance production consistency.

2019
Continued automation expansion with the addition of another robotic welder, strengthening manufacturing throughput and quality control. A year of big steps: Torklift partners with Forest River RV on step systems, launches the Retail Product Development Center in Kent, and opens a new manufacturing campus in Royal City, WA. The company is also honored by Seattle Business Magazine as Family Business of the Year.

2020
Added a second 6k fiber laser to support increasing demand and advance in-house fabrication capabilities.

2024
Stainless steel becomes the standard for key products, setting a new bar for long-lasting durability and strength. Torklift also introduces ApexAnchors In Bed Payload Anchor system, next-generation internal frame-mounted tie downs, while expanding fitments for Ford, Chevy, Dodge, and Toyota. Partners with Lance Camper to create custom accessories for the all-new Enduro trailer.

2024 - 2025
Airstream owners get their turn with new products like TailoredHitch and the GlowStep Revolution, with fitments rapidly expanding for Basecamp, Bambi, Caravel, and more to keep up with demand.

2025
Expanded tubular fabrication capabilities with the addition of a 5k watt laser tube cutter, enabling greater precision in structural and hitch component manufacturing. Partners with Outdoors RV to equip new model year units with the GlowStep Revolution. Starting 2025, strengthened our commitment to lean design and production practices, emphasizing continuous improvement, waste reduction, cross-functional training, and ongoing workforce development to support long-term innovation and operational excellence.

Today
Torklift International continues to develop products and programs to further the RV and automotive industries. We maintain our commitment to customer service by being available 24 hours a day and living up to our Legendary Lifetime Warranty promise.