In 1906, internal combustion engines were a relatively new, unproven technology. Not only were engines at that time difficult to start, they did not always run. Waukesha Motor Company was started by three men with ideas about how engines could be improved. In their small garage in Waukesha, Wisconsin, they studied existing engines, finding ways to make an engine that started easily and ran well. The company’s durable designs found their ideal applications in the
oil fields of Texas.

By operating on natural gas from well heads, Waukesha engines revolutionized the oil industry, inspiring new methods of drilling and production. The company quickly became the leading supplier of engine power for oil fields.

Our ability to respond to changing market demands kept us at the top of the industry. When governments tightened emissions requirements, Waukesha found solutions to these new challenges. We focused on clean burning, gaseous fueled engines and developed engine controls that reduced emissions even more. As we improved our engines in response to the industry’s need for more speed and power, customers found innovative new uses for our engines. Waukesha equipment has been put to work driving gas compressors, generators, chillers, pumps, air compressors and more. The result of Waukesha's hard work is a world class
engine company.