Our History

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Palmer Johnson's rich history spans more than 100 years, back to 1918 when Sturgeon Bay Boat Works began. In 1956, Sturgeon Bay Boat Works was renamed Palmer Johnson Yachts and in the 1960s Bill Parsons became a partner in Palmer Johnson Yachts. Over the next 4 decades, Palmer Johnson Yachts constructed world-class vessels ranging in size from 80' to 195'.

In 1977, Palmer Johnson Distributors was spun off to diversify the business, distributing Twin Disc products. Bill Parsons retained ownership of Palmer Johnson Distributors and it has remained a family business for over 40 years. In 2004 Bill's son, Craig Parsons, joined Palmer Johnson Distributors, now Palmer Johnson.

Below are highlights of the last 100+ years of history ranging from the early days of the boatyard to its current state as a world-class off-highway distribution and service company.

1918-1945

Johnson and Gmack found Sturgeon Bay Boat Works

Hans Johnson and Herman Gmack found Sturgeon Bay Boat Works. During this era, the company built commercial fishing boats, rowing skiffs and small yachts. During WWII, built wooden aircraft rescue vessels and supply boats for the US Army. In 1928, Hans’ son, Palmer Johnson, took over the business; the company was renamed after him in 1956.

1946-2000

Yacht Construction Resumes After The War

Resumed construction of yachts; introduced aluminum motor and racing sail yachts. Owned by Mike Kelsey, Shuff Willman, and Bill Parsons, Palmer Johnson Yachts constructs vessels from 80' to 195' for international clientele. Regarded as the premier US yacht builder.

1977

Palmer Johnson Distributors is Founded

Palmer Johnson Distributors founded as a diversification of Palmer Johnson Yachts. Initially focused on distribution of Twin Disc products in Wisconsin and Illinois.

1979-2007

Distribution and Service Capabilities Expand

Added additional product lines for distribution and service: Wichita, Clutch, Funk, F.W. Murphy, Hamilton Jet, Cotta Transmission, Clark-Hurth, Durst, Rockford, ZF, Dana Spicer Off-Highway, Carraro, and Kessler.

2002

Palmer Johnson Purchases NA D'Arcy

Palmer Johnson marches south & west adding locations through acquisition, culminating with the purchase of NA D’arcy Co. in California in 2002.

2004

A New Name: Palmer Johnson Power Systems

Craig Parsons, 2nd generation family ownership, joins Palmer Johnson Distributors. The name is changed to Palmer Johnson Power Systems and separated from Palmer Johnson Yachts, which sold in 2000.

2006

New Headquarters Opens in Sun Prairie

Opens new corporate headquarters: custom built 65,000 sf service facility in Sun Prairie, WI, with in-house master warehouse.

2012

Key Partnership Established with JLG

Begins servicing entire piece of equipment through partnership with JLG. Adds in service dealer arrangements with other OEMs including Brandt, Skyjack, Haulotte, Terex, and Pettibone over next several years.

2013

Employee Wellness Becomes a Top Strategic Priority

PJ gets serious about employee health, initiating wellness program and innovative benefit offerings. Safety program is revitalized. Begins 5-year implementation of leading technology strategy.

2014

The Brotherhood of The Wrench is Born

The Brotherhood of the Wrench is born! Drive for safety, lead-time improvement, and profitability in service.

2015

Palmer Johnson Acquires Bowers Transmission

Acquisition of Bowers Transmission in Kent, WA. PJ becomes self-insured and rounds off our world-class benefits package.

2017

Palmer Johnson Celebrates 40 Years

Palmer Johnson celebrates 40 years by raising $44,000 for Boys & Girls Club of Dane County.

2018

PJ ReNew is Established

Along with record sales, an all-employee trip to Vail, and a Sun Prairie HQ remodel to support our growing customer service team, PJ ReNew is born – our Tier I Equipment Reconditioning program.

2019

Palmer Johnson Acquires Mill Log from Twin Disc

Palmer Johnson acquires Mill Log from Twin Disc in February, positioning Palmer Johnson as a dominant off-highway player in the Western US and Canada, and a powerhouse in both marine and oil & gas markets in North America.

2019

Palmer Johnson Acquires Hamilton Engine

Palmer Johnson acquires Hamilton Engine a leading DEUTZ and Isuzu Distributor based in Portland, Oregon. At the same time, Trident Engineered Solutions spins off as our full-service design, engineering, and fabrication company.

2024

Palmer Johnson Acquires Continental Engines

Palmer Johnson acquires Continental Engines, strengthening its position in the power solutions market and broadening the range of products and services it could offer customers and expands PJ coast-to-coast.

Hamilton Engines History

Hamilton Engine Sales was founded in 1954 by Charles Hamilton based in the Pacific Northwest, building it into an independent distributor of industrial engines and power solutions. Over the decades, the business expanded its manufacturer partnerships and territory, including major growth with Isuzu and Scania distribution, while broadening beyond engine sales into application support, service, and engineered solutions. In 2020, Hamilton was acquired by Palmer Johnson and rebrand as Hamilton Power Solutions.

Continental Engines History

Continental Engines was founded in 1968 in Greenville, South Carolina, and grew over the next five decades into a well-established East Coast distributor of industrial diesel engines, generators, transfer switches, and related power solutions. Over time, the company built its reputation through strong OEM partnerships, technical expertise, packaging and engineering capabilities, and a multi-location footprint serving industrial and off-highway customers across the region. In January 2024, Continental Engines was acquired by Palmer Johnson, marking the next chapter in its history while preserving the business’s core strengths, leadership continuity, and customer support focus.