Our History
Palmer Johnson's rich history spans more than 100 years, back to 1918 when Sturgeon Bay Boat Works began. In 1956, Sturgeon Bay Boat Works was renamed Palmer Johnson Yachts and in the 1960s Bill Parsons became a partner in Palmer Johnson Yachts. Over the next 4 decades, Palmer Johnson Yachts constructed world-class vessels ranging in size from 80' to 195'.
In 1977, Palmer Johnson Distributors was spun off to diversify the business, distributing Twin Disc products. Bill Parsons retained ownership of Palmer Johnson Distributors and it has remained a family business for over 40 years. In 2004 Bill's son, Craig Parsons, joined Palmer Johnson Distributors, now Palmer Johnson Power Systems.
Below are highlights of the last 100+ years of history ranging from the early days of the boatyard to its current state as a world-class off-highway distribution and service company.
1918-1945
Johnson and Gmack found Sturgeon Bay Boat Works
Hans Johnson and Herman Gmack found Sturgeon Bay Boat Works. During this era, the company built commercial fishing boats, rowing skiffs and small yachts. During WWII, built wooden aircraft rescue vessels and supply boats for the US Army. In 1928, Hans’ son, Palmer Johnson, took over the business; the company was renamed after him in 1956.
1946-2000
Yacht Construction Resumes After The War
Resumed construction of yachts; introduced aluminum motor and racing sail yachts. Owned by Mike Kelsey, Shuff Willman, and Bill Parsons, Palmer Johnson Yachts constructs vessels from 80' to 195' for international clientele. Regarded as the premier US yacht builder.
1977
Palmer Johnson Distributors is Founded
Palmer Johnson Distributors founded as a diversification of Palmer Johnson Yachts. Initially focused on distribution of Twin Disc products in Wisconsin and Illinois.
1979-2007
Distribution and Service Capabilities Expand
Added additional product lines for distribution and service: Wichita, Clutch, Funk, F.W. Murphy, Hamilton Jet, Cotta Transmission, Clark-Hurth, Durst, Rockford, ZF, Dana Spicer Off-Highway, Carraro, and Kessler.
2002
Palmer Johnson Purchases NA D'Arcy
Palmer Johnson marches south & west adding locations through acquisition, culminating with the purchase of NA D’arcy Co. in California in 2002.
2004
A New Name: Palmer Johnson Power Systems
Craig Parsons, 2nd generation family ownership, joins Palmer Johnson Distributors. The name is changed to Palmer Johnson Power Systems and separated from Palmer Johnson Yachts, which sold in 2000.
2006
New Headquarters Opens in Sun Prairie
Opens new corporate headquarters: custom built 65,000 sf service facility in Sun Prairie, WI, with in-house master warehouse.
2012
Key Partnership Established with JLG
Begins servicing entire piece of equipment through partnership with JLG. Adds in service dealer arrangements with other OEMs including Brandt, Skyjack, Haulotte, Terex, and Pettibone over next several years.
2013
Employee Wellness Becomes a Top Strategic Priority
PJ gets serious about employee health, initiating wellness program and innovative benefit offerings. Safety program is revitalized. Begins 5-year implementation of leading technology strategy.
2014
The Brotherhood of The Wrench is Born
The Brotherhood of the Wrench is born! Drive for safety, lead-time improvement, and profitability in service.
2015
Palmer Johnson Acquires Bowers Transmission
Acquisition of Bowers Transmission in Kent, WA. PJ becomes self-insured and rounds off our world-class benefits package.
2017
Palmer Johnson Celebrates 40 Years
Palmer Johnson celebrates 40 years by raising $44,000 for Boys & Girls Club of Dane County.
2018
PJ ReNew is Established
Along with record sales, an all-employee trip to Vail, and a Sun Prairie HQ remodel to support our growing customer service team, PJ ReNew is born – our Tier I Equipment Reconditioning program.
2019
Palmer Johnson Acquires Mill Log from Twin Disc
Palmer Johnson acquires Mill Log from Twin Disc in February, positioning Palmer Johnson as a dominant off-highway player in the Western US and Canada, and a powerhouse in both marine and oil & gas markets in North America.
2019
Palmer Johnson Acquires Hamilton Engine
Palmer Johnson Enterprises acquires Hamilton Engine a leading DEUTZ and Isuzu Distributor based in Portland, Oregon. At the same time, Trident Engineered Solutions spins off as our full-service design, engineering, and fabrication company.
2021
Alterra Power Systems
PJE creates a new sister company to Palmer Johnson Power Systems, Alterra Power Systems specializing in distribution and service of diesel and natural gas power generation systems for commercial and mission-critical applications.