Smittybilt began in 1956 in Compton, California when Basil Smith, also known as "Smitty," started a small machine shop in his garage, called Rock-ett Products. Smitty was a long-time four wheel drive fan and his main interest was developing four wheel drive equipment for trucks and small SUVs (only Jeeps, at that time). As the years went by Smitty's son Tom worked at Rock-ett and later with the newly named "Smittybilt." Tom had been involved in the four wheel drive culture for his entire life and he was able to invent modern and forward-thinking ideas focused on the off-road aftermarket industry that was rapidly growing. As Smittybilt continued to grow, Tom innovated many exciting new products, encompassing the original "Nerf Bar" side step and tubular front and rear bumpers for Jeeps. Smittybilt is proud to provide their products to thousands of active dealers and distributors around the world with their forward-thinking truck and SUV accessories. The products Smittybilt provides have grown to over 2,000 different parts servicing the now international truck and SUV markets. Smittybilt management has an ongoing involvement in the off-road markets and this has helped to keep Smittybilt up with the latest market trends, as well as in the in the lead with their innovative engineering and design. Smittybilt became a part of Lund in 1999.