The Warn family owned a Jeep dealership in Kent, WA in the 40s. They contacted a machine shop in Portland, OR called Bellevue to make hubs that can unlock for on road driving. Bellevue made these hubs and Warn marketed them. Around 1960, a Bellevue machinist made the first electric winch, prior to that, they were all PTO. You could buy a Bellevue winch straight from Bellevue with out any Warn insignia on it. In the mid 70s Warn bought Bellevue ( Warn may have marketed the Bellevue before the purchase of Bellevue Machine, but I am not sure). They upgraded many components including the brake system to a disc type setup, along with many other things. My 8274 says, Warn Ind, Kent WA. I am not sure when they moved to their current facility in Clackamas, OR, or the year of my winch, but to tell you the truth, the Bellevue winches are not that desirable. I think you can upgrade many of the parts to the new style if so desired.