About Us
William P. Hilger started what would become Stearns, Inc. among thelakes and plains of central Minnesota. His first successful product wasan electrically powered windshield heater that was a big hit in thecolder climates of central Minnesota in the late 1920's, and eventuallywas a must-have product for cars from California to Maine. The companychanged hands after World War II and became Stearns ManufacturingCompany. The heating systems in cars had matured to the point where,anymore, the idea of needing a frost shield was old-fashioned. Thebusiness then turned towards the future: Plastics.This was the starter'sgun in a race towards ownership ofthe designed PFD market; a racethat Stearns would easily win. In 2008,Coleman added to its family ofbrands the distinct quality of Stearnsproducts, the most recognizedplayer in the life jacket business. It’s anatural fit.