OUR HISTORY
Innovative solutions for over 70 years
In 1940, Tom Hartness acquired the Pepsi bottling rights in Greenville, South Carolina—a pivotal moment that sparked a legacy of innovation. Faced with the need to improve efficiency in his bottling operations, he engineered the very first Hartness case packer, laying the foundation for what would become a revolution in packaging automation.
Since that humble beginning, ITW Hartness has grown into a global leader in packaging solutions, with over 100 patents and thousands of installations in production facilities around the world. Today, we continue to build on that legacy, delivering end-to-end packaging systems that improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and drive value across a wide range of industries.
1940
Tom Hartness acquires the Pepsi-Cola franchise in Greenville, South Carolina.
1945
Tom Hartness develops his first case packer.
1972
Tom Hartness founds Hartness Engineering (with sons Pat and Bobby) to design and manufacture case packing equipment for the soft drink industry.
1974
Hartness International introduces the rigid corner plastic finger grid system, the genesis of the industry’s first packer.
1976
Hartness develops the Model 100, its first fully automatic case packer for the soft drink industry.
1979
Hartness begins development of the industry’s first servo case packer.
1982
The Hartness 800 Series is introduced and becomes the foundation for the Hartness Case Packer product line.
1987
New world HQ is opened in Greenville, SC with 96,000 sq. ft. and shortly thereafter expanded to 156,000 sq. ft.
1996
The Octopack is patented, and introduces new generation of high speed continuous motion packers.
1999
Pat Hartness creates the GlobalPack, a rotary packer designed to operate 20,000 hours without major service.
2003
Hartness International Integration is launched in order to meet the ever-expanding needs of our customers.
2004
Hartness Conveyor is launched to enable Hartness to provide turnkey and fully integrated solutions.
2005
Hartness introduces a new GlobalShrink which is to become the industry standard for shrink wrapping.
2008
Hartness launches DCL-Dry Conveyor Lube, and other Sustainable Solutions.
2009
Hartness is acquired by Illinois Tool Works.
2013
Hartness expands end-of-line offering with mid and high speed wraparound for beverage, food and personal care. Adds Retail Ready packaging capability.
2014
New circular DYNAC 6500 and 6900 buffers are introduced offering higher speed and enhanced precise product handling for both bottles and cartons.
2015
7100FT Flow Through design added to the DYNAC mass flow accumulation offering.
2019
Hartness expands operations by moving to a brand new 256,000 sq. ft. facility in Greenville, SC.
The company rebrands to the name ITW Hartness.