Ernest Holmes: Founder of the Truck Industry in the U.S.

In 1896, the very first motor truck was invented in Germany by Gottlieb Daimler, an automotive pioneer. That truck counted on a four-horsepower engine, two forward speeds, one reverse and a belt drive. Nevertheless, trucks grew as a business and a common interest in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1916.

Ernest Holmes is to blame for the marvelous introduction of trucks as an industry. He was helping one of his friends retrieve his car through a pulley, three poles and a chain that was hooked to the frame of a 1913 Cadillac. It was in this moment when he made this marvelous discovery. Holmes patented his invention and began manufacturing wreckers and towing equipments.

Holmes maintained an active participation in the automotive industry and eventually, his products gained reputation worldwide because of their performance and quality. In 1943, Mr. Holmes died and his son succeeded him. Ernest Holmes Jr. was in charge of the company until 1973 when he sold it to Dover Corporation. At the same time, the founder’s grandson started a new company, Century Wreckers. He founded the manufacturer in Tennessee; quickly it was established as the number one rival of the original company.

During the 80’s, assets from both companies were bought by Miller Industries. Miller Industries also bought some other wrecker manufacturers and nowadays, is one of the most important industries in the business. Ernest Holmes and his predecessors are the vivid example of effort and will. Together, they were able to found and cope with one of the most important industries in America.