CASE Heritage
The 180-year history of CASE Construction Equipment is a source of great pride and commitment.
Emerging in the late nineteenth century, the company formed around the innovative practicality of J.I. CASE in the field of steam engines. Over the following decades, the company began to pioneer equipment for road construction and in doing so helped to ‘pave the world’.
By the beginning of the early twentieth century, CASE had established itself as the leading manufacturer of construction equipment. Continuing to grow and prosper, CASE goes on building our business, our reputation and the world we live in.
SCROLL DOWN TO DISCOVER OUR HISTORICAL TIMELINE
1842
CASE IS FOUNDED
Jerome Increase CASE founded the Racine Threshing Machine Works in Racine, Wisconsin, USA. The company’s threshing machines were capable of threshing 10 times more wheat than the existing hand-powered method.
1865
OLD ABE BECOMES
COMPANY MASCOT
In 1865, Old Abe began his career as the most famous bird in construction and agriculture history as the trademark of J.I. CASE Company.
1869
CASE MAKES FIRST
PORTABLE STEAM ENGINE
CASE constructed the first portable steam engine, leading to the birth of road construction. The original machine is on display at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.
1912
CASE MANUFACTURES
ROAD BUILDING EQUIPMENT
CASE manufactured a complete line of road-building equipment, including graders and steam rollers for compacting road surfaces.
1957
CASE BUILDS FIRST FACTORY-
INTEGRATED TRACTOR LOADER/BACKHOE
CASE introduced the landmark CASE Model 320, the industry’s first factory-integrated tractor loader/backhoe.
1969
CASE BEGINS SKID STEER
LOADER PRODUCTION
CASE purchased the rights to produce multi-purpose skid steer loaders. Production began in Burlington, Iowa, but later moved to Wichita, Kansas, where it continues today.
1982
CASE CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE LOADER/BACKHOE
CASE celebrated the 25th anniversary of the first factory-integrated tractor loader/backhoe with the introduction of the 580D.
1988
CASE RECOGNIZED
BY FORTUNE MAGAZINE
CASE loader/backhoes were listed by Fortune magazine among the “100 Products America Makes Best.”
1992
CASE CELEBRATES
150-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
CASE celebrated its sesquicentennial year and dedicated its new operations building at the company’s headquarters in Racine, Wisconsin.
1995
CASE EXPANDS
ATTACHMENT OFFERING
CASE initiated co-branding and supply agreements with several key suppliers for power and application attachments as well as quick couplers.
2005
CASE MAKES ITS
500,000TH LOADER/BACKHOE
CASE manufactured its 500,000th tractor loader/backhoe – a unique milestone for the entire construction industry.
2008
JI CASE IS INDUCTED
INTO HALL OF FAME
Jerome Increase CASE inducted into the Construction Equipment Hall of Fame by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers for his significant contributions to the construction industry.
2014
CASE ENTERS INTO NEW LICENSING AGREEMENT WITH SUMITOMO TO MANUFACTURE EXCAVATORS IN ITS PLANTS
2016
TO HONOR ITS HERITAGE, THE BRAND UPDATES ITS ICON TO SYMBOLIZE THE CASE ATTITUDE AND APPROACH
2017
175 YEARS OF HISTORY
New C-series mini excavators launch.
2022
OPENING OF THE NEW TRUGANINA BRANCH
Case Construction Celebrates 180 years, and Case Vic opens a new dealership in Truganina, Victoria.
