FIRST GEAR

FIRST GEAR. First Gear started business in 1992 in Dubuque, IA. with a plan to produce the most authentically detailed, scale model diecast metal trucks available to the collector market at an affordable price. Innovations in the areas of packaging and cab chassis design, direct imprinting of graphics onto the vehicle surface, and a determination to follow factory specs as close as possible brought an immediate and favorable response from diecast truck collectors literally worldwide.

Initial product introductions consisted of popular truck models from the 1950s and 1960s, each one officially licensed by the respective original equipment manufacturer. The first truck model was a ’51 Ford cab/chassis with various interchangeable body options, including dry goods van, tow, and stake sides. This was followed by a ’52 GMC cab/chassis and additional new body options. By the end of its first year in business more space was needed. The decision was made to re-locate to Peosta

As the popularity of First Gear authentic diecast replicas continued to spread, the product line quickly grew to include horse-drawn wagons, street rods and vintage cars, current model trucks, and novelty coin banks replicating vintage fire alarms, fire helmets, oil cans, etc.

In 1995, with growth continuing the decision was made to move from the rented office and warehouse facility and build a new state-of-the-art facility just a block away. This building served as the corporate headquarters, housing all company operations including graphics, engineering, consumer service, sales, shipping and warehousing.

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Source:

First Gear website. Online: https://www.firstgearonline.com/about-us/company-history/

[Category: Manufacturing Company]]