Learn C.E. Niehoff & Co.’s rich history and key points along its journey to becoming the leader in designing, developing, and manufacturing heavy-duty, high output alternators and power management devices.

Learn C.E. Niehoff & Co.’s rich history and key points along its journey to becoming the leader in designing, developing, and manufacturing heavy-duty, high output alternators and power management devices.

1923 - Founded in Chicago

C.E. Niehoff & Co. was founded by Conrad Edwin Niehoff to make tune up parts for the newly formed independent automotive aftermarket industry.

Conrad Niehoff (number five pictured above) attending the Chicago Motor Car Accessory Makers’ Dinner in Chicago, IL.

1954 - Marcella Takes Over

After Conrad’s death in 1954, his wife, Marcella Niehoff, became Chairman of the Board and steered the company toward continued growth.

1967 - First Inductor Alternator Patent Received

First patent received for an inductor alternator #3,312,844:

“A primary object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved inductor alternator which is of simple yet rugged construction and which can be manufactured simply and economically.”

1968 - Alternator Launch

Alternators were new to the auto industry, and aftermarket parts began replacing the original generators that were used by the automakers. Aftermarket sales potential was significant, but Niehoff’s alternators were over engineered for auto use. Production costs were too high, and competitor products worked well, so Niehoff went off road. The Alternator was successfully marketed for use in agricultural and construction to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) such as John Deere, International Harvester, Sperry New Holland, J.I. Case, and Allis-Chalmers. Automotive products failed easily in the off-road world, and it was clear Niehoff’s alternators were superior.

1977 - Military Presence

A larger more powerful alternator was developed for FMC, Inc. to equip the United States Marine Corps vehicles. This new alternator marked the beginning of a substantial presence in the military market.

1979 - TRW

C.E. Niehoff & Co. was sold to TRW to add their alternator aftermarket offerings.

1984 - New Beginnings

The Alternator division of TRW was sold to employees in a management buyout. The new company retained the name C.E. Niehoff & Co. and moved to its present location in Evanston, IL.

1991 - Business Across Seas

C.E. Niehoff & Co. Ltd. was established in the United Kingdom as a sales and service location for the parent company. 

1997 - Campus Expansion

The company expanded to an adjacent building as sales expanded in both commercial and military markets.

2000 - Microprocessor Takeover

Developed and launched the first-generation smart charging voltage regulators using microprocessor technology capable of voltage and temperature compensation, primarily for military applications.

2003 - Further Expansion

A third building was purchased and renovated, rounding out the corporate campus where the company currently resides. The additional space allowed the company to configure its facility for operational improvements and future business growth.

2013 - Smart Charging Advancements

Developed and launched advanced smart charging voltage regulator technology capable of data logging, multi-stage charging, parallel operation and vehicle backbone communication.

2023 - Celebrating 100 Years of History and Success

The company celebrated its 100th Anniversary, having grown from supplying parts for the Ford Model T, to being a leader in vehicle power generation and control for military and commercial markets.

2024 - Today and Beyond

We are the industry leader in the design, development and manufacture of heavy-duty high output alternator and power management devices. Our modernized facility, state-of-the-art design and manufacturing capabilities and dedicated work force has CEN positioned for continued growth and long-term success.