The Pumping Heart of Commerce
A deep dive into Tokheim's century-long legacy of innovation in fuel dispensing and retail automation systems.
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Introducing Tokheim
A Global Industry Leader
Tokheim stands as a prominent American manufacturer specializing in fuel dispensers and related equipment. Recognized as one of the world's foremost entities in the manufacturing and servicing of fuel dispensing technology, its influence spans across numerous countries, underpinning the global fuel retail infrastructure.
Part of a Larger Enterprise
Currently operating as a division within Dover Fueling Solutions, Tokheim contributes significantly to a comprehensive portfolio of products and services. This integration allows for a synergistic approach to developing and delivering advanced fueling solutions worldwide, leveraging broader corporate resources and expertise.
Extensive Market Penetration
Tokheim's products and services are deployed in over 40,000 service stations globally, serving a diverse customer base exceeding 350 clients. This clientele ranges from major international oil corporations, such as Esso, Total, Shell, and BP, to independent distributors and large retail chains like Intermarchรฉ and Carrefour, highlighting its critical role in the petroleum retail sector.
Advanced Fueling Systems
Core Product Offerings
Tokheim's primary focus lies in the design and assembly of sophisticated fuel dispensing systems. Beyond the physical pumps, their product suite extends to electronic data and payment automation systems, which are integral to modern fuel retail operations. These systems are engineered to optimize efficiency and accuracy in the global fuel retail market.
Comprehensive Service Portfolio
Beyond manufacturing, Tokheim provides an extensive range of support services crucial for the lifecycle management of fuel retail infrastructure. These services ensure the seamless operation and longevity of fueling stations, from initial setup to ongoing maintenance and modernization.
Operational Scale and Economic Impact
With a significant global presence, Tokheim, through its various subsidiaries, historically employed over 5,400 individuals across 33 wholly owned sales and services operations in Europe, Asia, and Africa. This extensive network supported substantial financial performance, with sales reaching โฌ643 million for the fiscal year ending April 2012, underscoring its economic footprint in the industry.
Historical Genesis
The Vision of John J. Tokheim
The origins of Tokheim trace back to the inventive spirit of Norwegian immigrant John J. Tokheim. While working in a hardware store in Thor, Iowa, Tokheim recognized the inherent dangers associated with storing and dispensing fuel. This critical observation spurred his innovative efforts to devise a safer and more efficient solution.
Pioneering Fuel Dispensing
In 1898, Tokheim successfully designed an exterior fuel storage system, ingeniously coupled with a modified water pump. This groundbreaking development not only addressed safety concerns but also introduced the crucial capability of accurately metering fuel delivery. His invention culminated in the patenting of the world's first vehicle fuel dispenser in 1901, a pivotal moment in the history of automotive infrastructure.
Founding the Company
The widespread acclaim and utility of Tokheim's invention, famously known as the Tokheim Dome Oil Pump, directly led to the establishment of the Tokheim Manufacturing Company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1901. This marked the formal beginning of a company that would grow to define standards in fuel dispensing technology. The company later relocated to Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1918, under new ownership, evolving into the Tokheim Corporation.
Corporate Evolution
A Brief Diversion: Bicycle Gearing
During the 1970s, Tokheim ventured into an unexpected market, attempting to introduce a novel bicycle gearing system. This alternative to the conventional derailleur, however, did not achieve commercial success. This period represents a unique, albeit unsuccessful, diversification effort in the company's long history of innovation.
Strategic Divestitures of 2003
The early 2000s brought significant restructuring for Tokheim. In 2003, the North American operations of Tokheim Corporation were acquired by First Reserve Corporation. Concurrently, its international assets and subsidiaries were acquired by Tokheim S.A.S., a new entity predominantly owned by AXA Private Equity (94%), with the remaining 6% held by its management team. This split marked a strategic realignment of the company's global presence.
Consolidation and Integration
Further corporate shifts occurred in 2005 when Tokheim S.A.S. was acquired by Cognetas (formerly Electra Partners Europe), again with the continued involvement of the management team. The most recent significant development took place in January 2016, when Tokheim was acquired by OPW. This acquisition led to the formation of one of the world's largest providers of fuel retail equipment, integrating Tokheim's legacy into the broader Dover Fueling Solutions portfolio.
Current Structure
Leadership and Operations
As a division, Tokheim's operations are guided by key personnel, with Mike McCann serving as the default acting president. The company's headquarters are situated in Austin, Texas, from which strategic decisions and operational oversight are managed for its global activities within the Dover Fueling Solutions framework.
Corporate Parentage
Tokheim operates under the umbrella of the Dover Corporation, a diversified global manufacturer and solutions provider. This parentage provides Tokheim with robust corporate support, resources, and a broader market reach, enabling continued innovation and expansion in the fuel dispensing industry.
Workforce and Specialization
The current Tokheim division employs approximately 2,800 individuals, a dedicated workforce focused on manufacturing and servicing fuel supply systems. This specialized team continues to uphold Tokheim's reputation for quality and reliability in a highly competitive global market.
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References
References
- Tokheim web site, History. Retrieved 11 June 2019.
- Tokheim web site, About Us. Retrieved 11 June 2019.
- Tokheim Company website: Facts and Figures. Retrieved 11 June 2019.
- Tokheim gearing system: They Say You Want a (Shifting) Revolution
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