From a single 1917 prototype to the backbone of modern military and civil logistics
Oshkosh Corporation began by building a single four-wheel-drive truck in 1917. Today, the Wisconsin-based industrial giant operates across 24 countries, manufacturing everything from specialized firefighting apparatus and lift equipment to the U.S. military's tactical vehicle fleet and the next generation of American mail delivery trucks.
Founded as the Wisconsin Duplex Auto Company, the firm initially focused on severe-duty transport. Its first prototype, affectionately named Old Betsy, remains a centerpiece at the company's global headquarters. Over the following decades, the company expanded its engineering reach, introducing innovations like the first rubber-tired earthmover in 1933 and the first dedicated concrete-hauling truck in 1955. This trajectory of specialized mechanical design eventually positioned the company as a critical partner for government and defense agencies.
The corporation is now structured into four distinct segments: access equipment, defense, fire and emergency, and commercial operations. Its defense division has become a primary supplier for the U.S. Army and Marines, producing vehicles ranging from the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle—which is replacing the aging Humvee fleet—to the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles. Beyond military hardware, the company manages a diverse portfolio of fourteen brands, including Pierce Manufacturing for fire trucks and JLG Industries for aerial lift equipment. Its reach is truly global, with products sold in over 150 countries.
Oshkosh has also pursued significant technological evolution, including experiments in autonomous navigation. Through its TerraMax program, the company tested robotic truck operations in urban environments, contributing to the development of large-scale autonomous ground vehicles. More recently, the company has pivoted toward modern infrastructure and sustainability, securing a contract for the U.S. Postal Service's Next Generation Delivery Vehicle. This fleet will integrate both internal combustion engines and battery-electric technology, reflecting the company's shift toward diverse energy solutions while maintaining its century-long legacy of heavy-duty industrial manufacturing.
The company's growth has been fueled by a strategy of targeted acquisitions, completing nineteen purchases since 1989. From engineering firms like Pratt & Miller to specialized manufacturers like Hinowa, these additions have allowed Oshkosh to integrate new capabilities into its existing framework. Despite its massive scale and 15,000-strong workforce, the company maintains its roots in Wisconsin, where it continues to design and build the machinery that moves, lifts, and protects across the globe.
Source: Oshkosh Corporation
