2000s

H.G. Makelim Co. enters the Rocky Mountain and Northern States with industrial engine, heavy duty electrical and diesel fuel injection lines.

1990s

Bob Hess retires in 1991. Bob’s sons, Chuck and Jim, takeover the business and begin major expansion efforts gaining new, key product lines including Kubota Engines.

1980s

H.G. Makelim Co. expands its operations into Southern California. Growth spurs another move to existing South San Francisco headquarters.

1970s

As the company continues to grow throughout the decade, they move to a larger facility in South San Francisco. Also during this time, they became one of the first distributors in the industry to implement an automated business system.

1960s

The company shifts its focus from a repair business to a distributor and begins setting up service dealers throughout their territory.

1959

H.G. Makelim Co. is awarded the Kohler Engine line and begins distribution in Northern California.

1958

H.G. Makelim Co. becomes the first central distributor in the West for Robert Bosch.

1957

Bob Hess, a former executive at American Bosch, acquires the company from Howard G. Makelim.  Bob’s vision to expand the company into a diversified automotive, diesel fuel injection and industrial parts distributorship results in acquisition of additional product lines for distribution.

1950s

The business continues to grow throughout the decade and H.G. Makelim Co. becomes one of the country’s largest American Bosch dealers.

1930s

Howard develops his own product line of Makelim Magneto Test Equipment, many of which are still operating in service dealers today.

1922

Howard G. Makelim begins servicing magnetos in a small repair shop located in San Francisco.  His high-quality service becomes well known, major manufacturers such as Eiseman, Wico, Robert Bosch, American Bosch and Fairbanks Morse appoints the company as a service dealer for their  respective lines.