TRW
Overview
TRW Inc. was an American corporation involved in a variety of businesses, primarily aerospace, automotive, and credit reporting. It was a pioneer in multiple fields including semiconductor technology, satellite development, and the manufacturing of automotive components. The company was originally founded in 1901 as the Cleveland Cap Screw Company, later becoming Thompson Products in 1926, and eventually merging with Ramo-Wooldridge in 1958 to form Thompson Ramo Wooldridge (TRW).
History
TRW's origins can be traced back to the early 20th century when the Cleveland Cap Screw Company was established. The company initially specialized in the production of cap screws, but quickly expanded into the automotive industry. In 1926, it was renamed Thompson Products and began manufacturing automotive engine valves.
In 1958, Thompson Products merged with Ramo-Wooldridge Corporation, a company known for its work in the aerospace industry. The merger resulted in the formation of Thompson Ramo Wooldridge, later shortened to TRW. The newly formed company continued to operate in both the automotive and aerospace industries, making significant contributions to both fields.
Aerospace
TRW was a major player in the aerospace industry. It was involved in the development of the Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11 spacecrafts, which were the first to explore the outer planets of the solar system. TRW also developed the Voyager spacecrafts, which have provided invaluable data about the outer planets and are still in operation today.
The company was also a significant contributor to the Apollo program, developing the descent engine used in the Lunar Module. This engine was responsible for safely landing astronauts on the moon during the Apollo missions. TRW's involvement in the Apollo program is a testament to its expertise in the field of aerospace engineering.
Automotive
In the automotive industry, TRW was known for its production of high-quality automotive components. The company produced a wide range of products including airbag systems, power steering systems, and brake systems. TRW was a leader in the development of safety systems and played a crucial role in improving the safety standards of vehicles.
TRW's automotive division was also involved in the development of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). These systems use a variety of technologies to assist drivers and improve road safety. TRW's work in this field has had a significant impact on the automotive industry, paving the way for the development of autonomous vehicles.
Credit Reporting
In addition to its work in the aerospace and automotive industries, TRW was also involved in the field of credit reporting. The company's Information Systems and Services division provided credit reporting services to businesses and consumers. This division was eventually spun off into a separate company, Experian, which is now one of the three major credit reporting agencies in the United States.
Legacy
TRW's legacy is evident in the many industries it has influenced. The company's contributions to the aerospace industry have had a lasting impact, with its spacecrafts continuing to provide valuable data about our solar system. In the automotive industry, TRW's innovations have improved vehicle safety and paved the way for the development of autonomous vehicles.
In 2002, TRW was acquired by Northrop Grumman, a global aerospace and defense technology company. The automotive parts division was sold off and is now known as ZF TRW, a division of the German company ZF Friedrichshafen AG.