Experience, cultivated for over 135 years. For more than a century, the companies that comprise the Carat Security Group have been
known as the premier coachbuilding and armoring operations in the
world. Merging the legacies of such historical brands as Sayers &
Scovill, Trasco, O'Gara, Hess & Eisenhardt, Labbé and Centigon, the Group represents
the pinnacle of mobile armored solutions, including
experience protecting United States Presidents, beginning with
President Harry S. Truman in 1951.
With a combined 16 decades of
industry leading experience, 45 current Heads-of-State limousines in
operation and an extensive list of OEM partnerships and technology
sharing agreements, we have an unparalleled ability to provide you
with complete Commercial and Military solutions that stand the test
of time.
1876 – 1941 - The Heritage Begins
Cincinnati, Ohio, 1876. William A. Sayers and Andrew K. Scovill
forged a relationship and a new business was born, the Sayers
& Scovill carriage-making company. Andrew was an active
partner and quickly learned the carriage trade. His manufacturing
expertise allowed the company to improve products rapidly and
helped propel the business to the forefront of the industry.
Hiring Emil Hess and Charles A. Eisenhardt as office boys, the
business took off.
1941 – 1981 - The Armored Era
With its 65-year history behind it, the Hess & Eisenhardt Company became actively involved in the business of mobile protection, culminating in the first of its kind vehicle, an armored limousine for U.S. President Harry Truman. This set the stage for a long-term relationship with the White House, lasting until 1992, when the business was taken in house by the Secret Service. Continuing the tradition of unique vehicles, many well-known celebrities including Clark Gable purchased custom vehicles from the company, complementing the growing list of heads-of-state trusting their lives to the Hess & Eisenhardt team.
1968 – Today, Carat
Duchatelet - Prestigious Armored Luxury
Founded in 1968, Carat Duchatelet's goal of providing vehicles of unsurpassed quality incorporating the latest state-of-the-art materials and technologies appropriate to both armored and unarmored vehicles has never changed. Today Carat Duchatelet is recognized as the world leader in armor integration and the manufacture of specialty vehicles in the automotive industry.
As a world leader in armor integration and vehicle redesign for both commercial and light tactical military applications, Carat Duchatelet continues to research and develop armor solutions universally recognized as providing the highest level of protection. Carat's Middle East manufacturing facility provides, in addition to local manufacture, service and support throughout the region.
1982 – 2001 - The Move to Mass Production
While the custom coach business found less traction in the early 1980s, the fledgling armored limousine and military business grew worldwide at an incredible rate. High profile clients came to O'Gara, Hess & Eisenhardt for custom vehicles in all shapes and sizes.. With success in the world market and a thriving armored vehicle business, the O'Gara team set their sights on military contracts, leading to an acquisition by Armor Holdings, Inc.
2001 – 2007 - Mobile Security Specialists
As the military and commercial business grew, a new brand was needed to combine the various companies purchased during the peak growth in the late 90s and early 2000s. With several new exclusive relationships with OE manufacturers secured, a new corporate entity was created to combine a fractured enterprise under one banner, bringing together names such as Trasco and Labbé. The Centigon brand was born in 2005 and the worldwide operation was united.
2008 – Present Day, Centigon
and Carat Duchatelet Join
In February 2008 Centigon was acquired by Carat Duchatelet, combining the industry's two premier brands into a complete, global enterprise. The Carat Security Group was born. With eight factories and over 1,000 employees worldwide, CSG offers a complete lineup of commercial and military solutions, tested in the lab and in the field to ensure that each vehicle meets the strictest of independent standards. Join the thousands of satisfied clients by contacting one of our regional consultants today. |
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