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Website: http://www.trw.com TRW Automotive is a leader in automotive safety, producing advanced active systems in braking, steering and suspension and sophisticated occupant safety systems for inflatable restraints, seat belts and steering wheels. TRW Automotive ranks among the world's top 10 largest and most diversified suppliers of automotive systems, modules and components to global vehicle manufacturers and related aftermarkets The company has 209 facilities around the world in 28 countries. The company supplies more than 40 major vehicle manufacturers and 250 nameplates and holds leading positions in all of its primary product categories. The automotive business employs approximately 65,100 people throughout the world, including 21,900 in North America, 34,500 in Europe, 4,450 in South America and 4,250 in Asia Pacific. 27% of employees are salaried workers and 73% are hourly. TRW employs 4,800 engineers, researchers, designers, technicians and support personnel. TRW has a patent portfolio of more than 10,000 patents and pending patent applications. In 2006, the company reported sales of $13.1 billion and net income of $176 million. History TRW was formed in 1958 by the mergers of Thompson Products and Ramo-Woolridge Corporation. Together, the company was named Thompson-Ramo-Woolridge and the initials of the merged companies stand for TRW. In addition to automotive work, the company was known for defense technology and was involved in the creation if intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). It was also a major player in aerospace and aircraft industries through development of engines. In 1972, TRW entered the occupant restraints business with the acquisition of Repa in Germany, and that same year introduced power rack and pinion steering. The first Collette caliper, the world's leading caliper design for disc brake applications, was introduced. The first two-wheel ABS system for light trucks was launched, and TRW developed the first remote keyless entry system. In 1989, TRW delivered the first complete frontal air bag and sensor system. In 2002, Northrop Grumman acquired TRW and its defense business. Goodrich would acquire TRW's aerospace business the same year. In February 2004, TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. became a public company through an Initial Public Offering of common stock. Updated August 19, 2007 |