History and Growth of Standard Bearings

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When the Industrial Revolution reached the shores of America, John M. Walton was there waiting. Anticipating that the market for automobile and mechanized farm equipment would increase faster in Iowa than elsewhere, Walton moved to Des Moines in 1919 and founded Standard Bearings.

Walton taught flying in the Army Signal Corps during World War I and gave flight lessons and sight-seeing tours on weekends to finance the company.

As Walton’s vision came true — the revolution in production created booming demand for automotive and agricultural equipment — the company opened a second location in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1928, followed by a location in Davenport shortly after, with additional locations in Mason City and Cedar Rapids in the years following.

While each generation has adapted, expanded and changed the company to capitalize on new opportunities, they have all stayed true to Walton’s vision — help customers succeed by meeting their needs with the highest value products and exceptional service.

To that end, in 2016, Standard Bearings joined forces with Weimer Bearing and Transmission, Inc., and is now part of a 20 location network of stocking offices and warehouses. Still an independent and family run organization, we are well poised to serve the industrial market.