TRW Logo

TRW, originally known as Thompson Ramo Wooldridge, was a leading American company that played a key role in the auto parts and aerospace industries until its acquisition by Northrop Grumman in 2002. The company was born in 1958 from the merger of Thompson Products and Ramo-Wooldridge, and its roots date back to the early 1900s.

Known as a supplier of critical components and systems, TRW has served both the automotive and aerospace industries. The automotive product line includes steering wheels, airbags, seat belts, braking systems, engine and chassis parts – everything automakers need. The company’s presence in the aerospace sector was also significant, where it was a leading supplier of components for spacecraft and satellites, propulsion systems, and various military aerospace technologies.

In its heyday, TRW had more than 200 facilities in 30 countries around the world, with a workforce of approximately 70,000 employees by the late 1990s. The company made significant strides in introducing key safety systems, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and revolutionary space technologies.

The early 2000s were a period of financial instability for TRW: rising costs and debts led to the sale or spin-off of many divisions. Northrop Grumman stepped in and acquired the remaining aerospace and auto parts divisions. Another TRW division, the automotive division, was sold to The Blackstone Group and continues to operate independently.

Although the TRW name is fading, the legacy of its significant contributions to the automotive and aerospace industries lives on through successor companies.