The beginnings
In the late 1950s, Harcourt G. “Harky” Runnings began making heaters at his West Seattle radiator shop. His early work included heaters for Kenworth and Freightliner mail trucks traveling the Alaska Highway. In 1965, he incorporated Red Dot to develop heating and air conditioning products for heavy-duty vehicles and off-highway equipment.
Beyond the radiator shop
As the company grew, Red Dot expanded into the design and production of mobile HVAC systems and replacement parts for trucks, buses and equipment. It worked with vehicle manufacturers and distributors to bring systems and parts to different applications.
Engineering and innovation
Red Dot’s product history includes innovations such as the Trinary pressure switch and low-profile rooftop condensers. In 1989, the company built a technical center to support its engineering and test teams; it continues to invest in engineering and validation for mobile HVAC applications.
Red Dot today
Today, Red Dot is employee-owned and supplies climate-control systems and components to equipment manufacturers and aftermarket customers. Transport Refrigeration supports customers with equipment selection, installation, service and parts.