Skip to content Skip to navigation menu

For the best site experience, please use Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox or another modern web browser. Internet Explorer is no longer supported.

History

Advancing an Industry, Sustaining a Legacy

Founded in 1870 by George H. Tennant, Tennant Company began as a one-man woodworking business, evolved into a successful wood flooring and wood products company, and eventually into a manufacturer of floor cleaning equipment. Throughout its history, Tennant has remained focused on advancing our industry by aggressively pursuing new technologies and creating a culture that celebrates innovation. Today, Tennant is a global leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing solutions that help create a cleaner, safer, healthier world.



Tennant Company Timeline
1870-history-george-tennant

1870

George H. Tennant opens his small woodworking shop in Northeast, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

1932-Motorized-Equipment

1932

Tennant’s company begins producing motorized floor cleaning equipment.

1947-Vacuum-Power-Sweeper

1947

Tennant engineers invent the first vacuum-equipped power sweeper for industrial use

1963-Pre-Sweeper-Scrubber

1963

Tennant introduces the predecessor to the sweeper/scrubber, making Tennant units the most versatile in the world

1969-tennant-goes-public

1969

GH Tennant Inc. goes public as Tennant Company

1970-First-Rider-Scrubber

1970

Tennant Company develops the first “built from the ground up” riding scrubber

1978-Walk-Behind-Scrubber

1978

Tennant Company introduces its first walk-behind scrubber

2002-FaST-Foam-Scrubbing-Technology

2002

Tennant Company introduces FaST® Foam-activated Scrubbing Technology for hard floor surfaces

2004-ReadySpace

2004

Tennant Company introduces ReadySpace® quick-drying carpet cleaning technology

2008-ec-H2O-Technology

2008

Tennant Company introduces ec-H2O™ technology that electrically converts water into an innovative cleaning solution

2015-ec-H2O_NanoClean-T300-at-work

2015

Tennant Company develops ec-H2O NanoClean®, the next generation of sustainable cleaning with breakthrough nanobubble technology

2018-T7AMR-Scrubber-robot-cleaning-machine

2018

Tennant Company launches the first-to-perform T7AMR, making robotic cleaning practical in large spaces

2020-150th-anniversary-tennant-headquarter

2020

Tennant Company celebrates 150 years in business

Brands marked with ® are registered in the United States and/or other countries. Brands marked with the TM are not registered and protected under applicable law.