An 80-Year Legacy of Excellence
In 2025, Peterson Manufacturing celebrates a significant milestone: 80 years of innovation, growth, and dedication to the transportation industry. Since 1945, Peterson has established itself as a leader in producing high-quality lighting products for commercial vehicles, trailers, and the automotive industry. This anniversary not only represents a major achievement for the company but also highlights the resilience, ingenuity, and dedication to the customer that has driven Peterson’s success over the years.
A Humble Beginning
Don R. Armacost Sr. was a young businessman in Kansas City when he acquired a small manufacturing company that specialized in safety lighting products for the automotive and heavy-duty truck markets. Armacost aimed to enhance these markets with new levels of product innovation, performance, and reliability. The company’s initial offerings consisted of simple yet effective lighting fixtures for trucks and trailers. Over the years, the company expanded its product range and became recognized for its high quality, durability, and innovative designs. The Peterson family’s commitment to excellence and their focus on addressing the evolving needs of the transportation industry quickly established it as a trusted name in the field.
What started as a small operation in Grandview, Missouri, a suburban community located just south of Kansas City, has since grown into a global presence. Peterson now designs and manufactures a broad range of lighting products, including LED lights, lighting harness systems, and telematics solutions that meet rigorous standards for safety and performance.
Innovation and Growth
Throughout its 80 years, Peterson Manufacturing has been at the forefront of innovation in the vehicle lighting sector. A major turning point came in the 1980s when the company shifted its focus to developing high-performance LED lights. The transition from traditional incandescent bulbs to LEDs not only improved the energy efficiency and longevity of vehicle lighting but also paved the way for new product lines and applications.
Peterson’s cutting-edge technologies have set the standard for the industry, helping to shape the future of transportation safety. The company’s LED lights, for example, are known for their high-quality and durability, which is critical in the demanding environments where commercial vehicles and trailers operate. Peterson’s products also meet the highest safety standards, contributing to accident prevention and improving visibility for drivers on the road.
Commitment to Grandview and our Employees
While Peterson Manufacturing’s reach is global, the company has never lost sight of its home base in Grandview. Over the decades, Peterson has played an essential role in the local economy by providing thousands of jobs, supporting local businesses, and contributing to the overall growth of the region. The company’s success story will forever be intertwined with the small vibrant community of Grandview.
Peterson has always been an advocate for community engagement and has participated in various charitable initiatives, educational programs, and partnerships with local organizations. Its commitment to fostering a positive work environment and offering career development opportunities has made it a standout employer in the area. In fact, the ability to recognize and meet customer needs is a tribute to the quality of Peterson’s people – many of whom are second – and third-generation members of Peterson’s family of associates. Their dedication and skills are the heart of a growth story that’s taken Peterson from a small manufacturing shop to a state-of-the-art 670,000 sq. foot facility serving customers worldwide.
A Bright Future Ahead
In an ever-changing industry, the fact that Peterson Manufacturing has thrived for 80 years is a testament to the company’s adaptability, vision, and commitment to quality. From its humble beginnings in Grandview, Missouri, Peterson has become a symbol of innovation and resilience in the world of vehicle lighting.
As Peterson Manufacturing celebrates its 80th anniversary, the company remains focused on its mission: to provide top-tier lighting solutions that ensure the safety and efficiency of transportation systems worldwide. With a rich legacy of success and a clear vision for the future, Peterson is poised to continue shining brightly for many more years to come.
Here’s to 80 years of excellence and to the exciting journey that lies ahead!
Peterson Manufacturing Company
Founded in 1945, Peterson Manufacturing Company is a world-leading innovator in the design, engineering and manufacturing of a complete line of commercial vehicle/trailer safety lighting and harness systems. With headquarters in the greater Kansas City area, Peterson is a privately held company. An ISO 9001:2015 certified company, Peterson Manufacturing is a key subsidiary of Peterson Corporation, five highly specialized companies and nearly 700 associates working in global transportation-related industries. For more information, visit PMLights.com.