Mattracks Inc.

Mattracks Inc.
Industry Manufacturing
Founded 1995
Founder Glen Brazier (CEO)
Headquarters Karlstad, Minnesota
Website http://www.mattracks.com

Mattracks was started by the company’s CEO, Glen Brazier. The company developed out of a product conceived from a drawing by his 11-year-old son, Matt. The rubber track conversion system was first manufactured in Thief River Falls, Minnesota in 1992.[1] Later, production was moved to its current location in the community of Karlstad, Minnesota.

Mattracks, Inc. was incorporated in 1995, at that time the company employed six people, manufacturing and marketing the original model of the Mattracks rubber track conversion system. The original Mattracks system was sold primarily in U. S. markets as well as in Canada. Mattracks added sales staff in 1999 to address growing interests in their products from the international market.[1]

In 2002 with 30 employees, Mattracks launched the LiteFoot ATV track conversion systems, adding to the Mattracks rubber track conversion product line up.[2]

Since 1994 Mattracks has created 72 different models of tracks that can go on 4 wheel drive vehicles, ATVS, Tractors, and Trailers.

Mattracks also produces a motorized snowboard called the Powerboard.

History

Mattracks are used for recreation, work, commercial and agricultural applications, Mattracks can equip most 4 wheel drive vehicles from a small ATV to trucks up to 25,000 lbs. The rubber track system simply bolts on an independent track unit in place of each vehicle wheel.[3] One or two people with hand tools and a floor jack can easily install the entire Mattracks system.[4]

Uses

At the Bridgeport, California Mountain Warfare Training Center in March 1997, a test HMMWV drives through the snow, equipped with Mattracks treads.
The Mars Institute "HMP Okarian" Humvee with Mattracks during the Northwest Passage Drive Expedition (2009-2011).

Mattracks have been used for a variety of applications, both for work and recreational purposes. Mattracks equipped vehicles have been used to travel over difficult terrain.

Mattracks equipped vehicles have been used for oil & gas, installing and servicing telecommunications systems, construction, mining, drilling, logging, forestry, surveying, power transmission lines and pipeline construction. These track systems have also been put to work in other industries including: agricultural, law enforcement, search and rescue, emergency services and government agencies.[5] They are also used in Humvees. Mattracks equipped the Mars Institute's "HMP Okarian" Humvee on the Northwest Passage Drive Expedition.[6]

Origins of Innovation

Mattracks is the result of the imagination of a then 11-year-old Matt Brazier along with the innovation of his father, Glen Brazier.[1]

“My son came to me with a drawing,” Glen Brazier said, holding the sketch of a large truck with tracks instead of tires. “He said, ‘Dad can we make something like this?’ and we went from there.” [7]

Glen Brazier formed Mattracks Incorporated and after three years of engineering, development, and testing, the first set of Mattracks named after the young boy, “Matt”, went on sale in 1994.[8]

Mattracks Worldwide

Since the 1994 introduction, Mattracks have been sold on all 7 continents and in over 72 countries.[4] Mattracks are being used by various domestic and foreign government agencies, search and rescue units, maintenance and engineering crews, commercial users and recreational users, and even space exploration research projects.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Company Profile: Mattracks, Inc.. Alaska Oil & Gas Reporter 1 Sep. 2002: 56.
  2. ↑ Mattracks (February 14, 2002.) "Mattracks Launches LiteFoot ATV Rubber Track Conversion System". Press release. Retrieved March 13, 2002
  3. ↑ Cory, Matt. "Mattracks a Sketching Success." Grand Forks Herald 27 Apr. 1996: 1B.
  4. 1 2 Ricker, Amanda. "Making Tracks to China." Grand Forks Herald 4 Dec. 2006: 1B+.
  5. ↑ McCutchon, Beverly. "Mattracks; Minnesota Boy's Invention Aids Work of Minnkota Crews." Minnkota Messenger June 1996: 1-3.
  6. ↑ Lee, P. 2010. Northwest Passage Drive : Preparing for Mars. Above & Beyond – Canada’s Arctic Journal. Sept–Oct 2010, 35–39.
  7. ↑ Latta, John. "Pickup Tracks; Switch Wheels for Tracks and Your Pickup is Winterproof." RentSmart Dec. 2001: 18+.
  8. ↑ Giesbrecht, Jeannette.New Track System Conquers the Worst Terrain. The Nisku Wildcatter 2000: 7.
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