Torklift Central About Us
It began with one shop.
From a small satellite operation in Washington to the original Torklift store location and today’s retail product development center, Torklift Central’s story is built on family values, craftsmanship, customer service, and a drive to keep evolving. As the original store location, Torklift Central has grown alongside the Torklift name while continuing to serve local customers with expert installation, fabrication, repair, and product development.
Here are some of the milestones that shaped who we are today:
1958
Founder Jon Kay begins building the manufacturing, fabrication, and retail knowledge that would later define Torklift at a local hitch and fabrication shop in Tacoma, Washington.
1973
An opportunity arises to partner with the owner of te fabrication shop in Tacoma, WA and open a satellite location in Lynnwood, Washington. That same year, the oil embargo tests the company’s resolve and creativity.
1973 - 1976
As demand for hitches and RV towing products slows during fuel rationing, Jon shifts focus to auxiliary fuel tanks, helping keep the young business moving forward. During this time, his three sons, Jack, Tony, and Max, begin learning the family business.
1976
Torklift Central Welding of Kent Inc. opens with one bay, one welder, and one employee in a small building on Central Avenue in Kent, Washington.
1980s
Within a few short years, Torklift Central Welding is thriving and building a reputation for exemplary service as a regional hitch, trailer, and commercial vehicle expert. The company enters a major growth period, acquires more real estate, expands facilities, and continues building its name in custom fabrication, towing, and specialty vehicle work.
1983
Torklift Central Welding adopts early Apple technology and becomes one of the first companies to acquire the Lisa Mac computer, reinforcing a culture of innovation that still shapes the business today.
Mid-1980s
Drawing on extensive manufacturing experience, Jon and his team develop a growing Torklift line of hitches, trailers, tow bars, and custom fabrication solutions. Customers across retail, dealerships, municipalities, government agencies, and commercial fleet operations begin seeking out Torklift products and services.
1990
Rapid company growth leads to the separation of the manufacturing division from the rest of the organization.
Mid to Late 1990s
Torklift continues to innovate with new CNC equipment and product development, with many new ideas moving into patented designs. As the manufacturing side grows, it expands enough to require its own dedicated management team.
2000
As the Torklift product line grows in popularity, the manufacturing and product development arm moves further into the wholesale market, while the original Torklift Central Welding location continues specializing in local fabrication, installation, and specialty vehicle solutions.
Early 2000s
The introduction of the industry’s first lever-action turnbuckle, the Torklift FastGun, helps accelerate the growth of Torklift International as a separate operation, while the original Kent roots remain central to the Torklift story.
2009
Torklift Central Welding expands again and Torklift Central RV Center is born. This new division is built around seasoned, factory-trained technicians with certified master tech experience and decades of industry knowledge.
2011
Torklift Central identifies growing demand for aftermarket hitches for electric, PZEV, and hybrid vehicles. The EcoHitch is introduced in late 2011 and opens the door to continued growth in emerging vehicle markets.
2013
As the EcoHitch line expands, Torklift Central refocuses its efforts on continued growth in the aftermarket trailer hitch industry, drawing on the strength and resources of the original location.
2019
A major new chapter begins with the launch of the Retail Product Development Center (RPDC) in Kent. The RPDC brings together engineering, design, marketing, and technician teams to work directly with retail customers, develop custom solutions, and help bring new ideas to market.
2024
Torklift Central continues its long-standing commitment to the community through local giving efforts, including the 12th Annual Kent Turkey Challenge, which raised 2,750 pounds of food and $12,411 for the Kent Food Bank. This same period also marks the beginning of Torklift Central’s diaper drive efforts.
2025
Community outreach continues with the 2nd Annual “March of Diapers” Diaper Drive, held in partnership with Akin - South King Family Resource Center, and the launch of the 13th Annual Kent Turkey Challenge, continuing a long-running tradition of supporting the Kent Food Bank and bringing local businesses and families together around holiday giving. Torklift Central’s RPDC also remains active as an in-house hub for engineering, custom fabrication, and specialized problem-solving.
This same year, Torklift Fleet Division was formally launched, building on decades of hands-on experience serving commercial vehicles, municipalities, government agencies, and business fleets. While the division officially begins in 2025, fleet upfitting, fabrication, repair, and commercial vehicle support have been part of Torklift Central’s work for many years.
Today
In 2026, Torklift celebrates 50 years in business. Torklift Central serves as the original store location and retail product development center, continuing to focus on towing accessories for RV and commercial vehicles, fleet and specialty vehicle solutions, welding and custom fabrication, trailer brake, axle, and suspension work, and expert repair services. Current capabilities highlighted by Torklift Central include engineering and product development, SolidWorks and FEA-based design work, a tow system installation retail facility, and advanced fabrication support including 3D printing and 3D scanning. Torklift Central also continues to manufacture and install products such as the EcoHitch while serving customers directly from Kent.
As a family-owned and operated business, we remain committed to providing high product quality, superior customer service, and educational support to Kent, Seattle, Renton, Tacoma, Auburn, and the surrounding communities. We proudly give back through food drives, diaper drives, and service projects for schools, parks, dealerships, and local businesses. We offer all-American-made products, national retail direct products, and a one-stop shop experience backed by innovation, craftsmanship, and a lifetime warranty.