There aren’t too many companies that have been around for 100 years, and when you add performance to that equation, there are even fewer. But this year, Borgeson Universal is celebrating 100 years in the manufacturing industry.

Taking us back an entire century, Borgeson started business in Torrington, Connecticut, in 1914 by manufacturing universal joints for lathes and milling machines. Adding to their repertoire, they began developing and manufacturing universal joints for aerospace, military, agriculture, industrial, and automotive applications, as well.

These days, you can find Borgeson in the same town in Connecticut, but in a much larger, 50,000 square foot facility where they continue to make universal joints and a full line of steering components. We installed one of their Mopar conversion steering boxes in our project car last fall, and saw much of their line up at SEMA in 2013.

Offering up quick conversion steering boxes for classic applications, Sales Manager Jeff Grantmeyer brings up a good point about installing a newer steering gear in an older car. He says, “The problem with rebuilding a 40-year-old steering box is that you still have 40-year-old technology.” It’s that philosophy that keeps Borgeson on the cutting edge of technology, and bringing new ideas to old problems with steering components.

Solving problems with steering applications using new technology for universal joints helps to make steering smoother due to stronger joints with needle bearings that are permanently sealed. With their CNC machined joints, steering angles as low as 35 degrees can be accomplished with a double-joint, and their precision machining means no backlash or radial play, and can last up to ten times longer than a standard joint.

Constant testing and engineering means that this 100-year-old company isn’t resting on their laurels, and that better parts and great customer service is their goal, as it always has been. Check out the Borgeson Universal web site for more information, including power steering tips and a virtual shop tour, as well as a complete catalog that you can download.