Towmotor Corporation was a Cleveland, Ohio-based company founded by Lester M. Sears in 1919 which produced industrial tractors and fork lifts. His father, F.W. Sears, became co-partner, retaining that position until his death in 1934. The first Towmotor plant was located on Bliss Road in Euclid, a suburb of Cleveland. The plant later moved to 1226 E. 152nd St. and then to 16100 Euclid Ave. Small tractors were produced for the first 14 years, and in 1933, Lester Sears produced the first gasoline-powered fork lift. Towmotor continued to grow during World War II and during the 1950s and 1960s, acquiring Gerlinger Company of Dallas, Oregon in 1956, and began international distribution. In 1963, the company acquired Ohio Gear. Also in 1963, Towmotor merged with Caterpillar Tractor Company of Peoria, Ill. By the 1970s, the Towmotor name was dropped from vehicles. After a 1983 strike over cheaper labor costs in Korea, the Towmotor plant was closed in 1985.
From the description of Towmotor Corporation records, 1915-1977. (Rhinelander District Library). WorldCat record id: 43608707
