Superwinch's story began in 1968 when Frank Tolsdorf was an executive with Indian Head Corporation. One of his responsibilities there was new product development and when two Ford engineers offered to sell patents and manufacturing rights for an electric winch, Frank recommended that Indian Head purchase the Superwinch after analyzing the market and recognizing the opportunities available in this field. In 1969 Detroit Gasket, the division responsible for product development for Indian Head, redesigned the winch and introduced it to the public. Frank did not approve of this product, but before he could implement corrections to the design, Indian Head made the decision to sell the product line. Frank contacted the president of the company that supplied the cable used on the Superwinch and together they purchased the company. Superwinch originally offered a complete line of winches for the pleasure boating market. Over the next 15 years there were many changes at Superwinch and in 1985 Ian Dodds, an aerospace engineer, joined Frank Tolsdorf and together they brought much innovation and quality to the winch industry. Superwinch purchased the New England based Mercury Electric Winch and FW Winches Limited, located in Tavistock, UK (formerly Fairey Winches), providing additional winch manufacturing capabilities. Superwinches company philosophy is the same today as it was 40 years ago; to manufacture the most reliable and hardest-working winches available, designed to solve problems by innovating solutions in a company that holds great customer service at the center of its organization. Superwinch is serious about continuing to improve existing products and innovating new product designs, as well as being able to respond to the market in a timely manner, in order to keep Superwinch at the top of the industry.

To Superwinch, "winching" means pulling and "hoisting" means lifting. If your intent is to use a Superwinch for raising and lowering a load instead of, or even in addition to, pulling a load, or pulling it up or down an incline, there are things that must be taken into consideration. There are many requirements of machinery used in lifting. These machines are commonly known as "hoists" and Superwinch does not make them. Machines used to move people up and down are known as elevators and these have even more stringent engineering standards. Superwinch makes neither hoists or elevators and should not be mistaken for a company that does. There are almost no standards for winches, which means that companies who manufacture winches can claim anything they wish and state load ratings wherever they want. Superwinch sets its load capacity for any winch at what that winch will lift vertically single line. This is the most accurate measurement of the winch's pulling ability, but it can be a dangerous procedure to perform. You can use a Superwinch for lifting if you take necessary precautions. The motor in an electric winch should not be allowed to become too hot. Following prudent precautions will ensure your motor lasts longer. Keeping the duration of pulls as short as possible will extend the life of your motor. Size the winch you need according to a rolling load, rather than pulling a dead weight, as this is normally the circumstances you will be winching under. Be sure to install (or have installed), your winch properly. This can make all the difference. Make sure the location where you install the winch is easily accessible and allow enough room if it is mounted under something, such as a toolbox. If utilizing the winch to load a trailer, make sure you mount the winch close enough to the front of the trailer so that the vehicle can be completely pulled onto the trailer. Consider a pulley block, for reducing the load on your winch and increasing its capacity. Be sure the winch is properly wired, with adequate and correct wire sizes used. Make sure your wiring leads are completely secure and clear of any hot or moving parts.