Page 18 - Gleason 160

The World at War

1939–1945

An Allied Icon

Starting early in 1940, The Gleason Works is again thrust into
war production as President Roosevelt calls upon American
industry to support the Allied war effort. By the end of 1941 and
American entry into the war, The Gleason Works is already
supplying the gearing needs of Great Britain and the Soviet
Union. Wartime gear usage, beyond vehicle transmissions
and differentials, includes radar, searchlight drives, fire control
equipment for tanks and artillery, and even tiny gears used
in mechanical computers. Over 2,500 employees work at the
plant, with a total of 678 employees serving during the war.
Sadly, ten Gleason employees lost their lives in the war.

Curvic Coupling

The Gleason Works management
decides to market another device
James E. Gleason receives one of a total of invented by Wildhaber in 1942 called
five “E” Award Banners in 1942.
the Curvic Coupling. Machines are
®
designed to produce the unique
Exceeding production quotas set by coupling just in time for the debut of
the War Department, The Gleason an early and significant use, the jet
Works wins the coveted “E” Award aircraft engine.
Banner five times during the war,
and earns 4 stars for continued
performance.

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