Our History
Linamar’s story began with the vision and determination of its founder, Frank Hasenfratz, who established the company in 1966. His unwavering work ethic and relentless pursuit of opportunity remain the foundation of who we are today.
Born in Hungary in 1935, Frank’s early years were shaped by a technical education in trade and engineering, as well as hands-on experience as a toolmaker and machinist. In 1956, following the Soviet invasion of Hungary, he left his homeland in search of freedom and opportunity.
His journey took him across Europe before he arrived in Quebec City in 1957 with nothing but hope for a better future. A kind immigration officer handed him five dollars and wished him luck, a gesture that marked the beginning of a remarkable Canadian success story.
Frank settled in Guelph, Ontario, where he began working at W.C. Woods. After being laid off, his optimism and entrepreneurial spirit never wavered. He saw promise in his new country and kept his focus on building something meaningful. By 1964, Frank had opened a one-man machine shop in the basement of his home, ingeniously modifying his wife’s washing machine to automate a lathe for producing oil pumps. Two years later, in 1966, a breakthrough contract with Ford Motor Company enabled him to expand. The first official plant, Ariss Manufacturing, built beside his home, remains part of Linamar today.
He named his company after the three most important women in his life: his daughters, Linda and Nancy, and his wife, Margaret. From those humble beginnings, Linamar has grown into a global leader in advanced manufacturing, powered by the same values of resilience, innovation, and precision that Frank embodied.
As we approach 60 years of Linamar in 2026, we continue to honour Frank’s legacy, driven by hard work, ingenuity, and a commitment to powering the future.
Our Timeline
1964 >
Mr. Hasenfratz immigrated to Canada in 1957 from Hungary. He starts a one-man machine shop in his home basement.
1966 >
The company was founded with the name derived from his wife and 2 daughters.
Li (Linda)
na (Nancy)
mar (Margaret)
1980 >
Purchase of White Farm Equipment and establishment of Western Combine.
1986 >
The company goes public. IPO was issued on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
2001 >
Linamar acquires Skyjack, for major diversification into the industrial equipment market segment.
2003 >
Linamar acquires McLaren Performance Technologies to bolster technical product engineering capabilities.
2007-16 >
2007 – Linamar acquires the All-Wheel Drive business division from Ford.
2014 – Carolina Forge and Seissenschmidt are acquired.
2016 – Montupet is acquired.
2018 >
Linamar acquires MacDon. The Harvesting Specialist.
This platform acquisition positions Linamar as a leading global agricultural equipment manufacturer.
2022 >
Linamar acquires Salford, a global leader in crop nutrition application and tillage products.
The acquisition is an important milestone in expanding Linamar Agriculture’s portfolio.
2022 >
Linamar announces Creation of Linamar MedTech, a new group focused on Medical Devices and Precision Medical Components.
2023 >
Linamar acquires Dura Shiloh’s battery enclosures business, bringing multi-material (high-strength steel and composite) designs with precision bonding into the product range.
Mobex Global was acquired to bolter Linamar’s position as a leading supplier of propulsion-agnostic solutions.
2024 >
Linamar acquires Bourgault Industries Ltd, solidifying its position as a leading agriculture Shortline Equipment Manufacturer.
2025 >
Linamar acquires Aludyne to further strengthen Linamar’s ability to support customers locally, and complements Linamar’s existing Structures and Chassis business, adding advanced capabilities in aluminum casting, precision machining, and product design.