Northern's Timeline
1980
1980
Don Kotula starts Northern from his garage in Eagan, MN, selling hydraulic parts.
1982
The Distribution Center in Charlotte, NC, is established. Retail expansion continues through the Southern sea-board states and Minnesota.
1985
Hotline Catalog is introduced.
1981
The first Northern Hydraulics catalog is mailed out. Northern Hydraulics moves headquarters to Cliff Road, Burnsville, MN. The first retail store and warehouse are built.
1984
Customer Service Department is created.
1988
250,000 sq. ft. warehouse is opened in Savage, MN.
1990
1991
Company relocates to new 180,000 sq. ft. Corporate office in Burnsville, MN. NorthStar is founded.
1998
In keeping with a growing diversity of products, Northern Hydraulics changes its name to Northern Tool + Equipment.
1999
NorthernTool.com is launched.
1996
Northern celebrates 15 year anniversary.
1997
Charlotte Warehouse moves to Fort Mill, SC.
2000
2000
Northern Tractor & Power Co. established.
2004
New branding images are introduced, including a new logo and advertising campaign to coordinate stores, catalog and Internet ventures.
2008
Powerhorse is introduced featuring two-way log splitters.
2003
Northern Gift Card rolled out.
2007
Northern ventures into Ningbo, China, to grow manufacturing operations. Kotula’s “The Guys with the Goods” catalog and Kotulas.com launched.
2009
Northern expands its NASCAR presence by sponsoring Erik Darnell in the No. 6 Ford Fusion in the Nationwide Series.
2010
2010
Northern develops global market with business venture in Chile.
2011
A focus on proprietary brands including Klutch, Kitchener, Wel-Bilt, Ultra-Tow, Roughneck and NPower.
2012
262,500 sq. ft. warehouse opened in Arlington, TX.
2010
Northerntool.com mobile website launched.
2012
Northern Tool acquires The Golf Warehouse and Sportsman Guide.
2015
Strongway is founded.
2017
Hotline is rebranded to Advantage