About MALABAR

Malabar Machine Company was started in 1935 by Mr. E.P. “Ed” Grime (pronounced Grim) as a machine shop for manufacturing items to customer drawings. Mr. Grime named the Company “Malabar” from the street on which it was located in the Huntington Park area of Los Angeles, California. Mr. Grime was reputed to be a genius in hydraulic engineering and a man who combined the strict calculations of engineering science with the pioneering instinct to do what no one has done before.

In 1939 Ed Grime was approached by Lockheed to design and build a few tripod jacks; the first to be built specifically to jack aircraft. These hydraulic operated jacks were the first to incorporate locknuts on the rams, preventing any inadvertent lowering of the jacks due to a hydraulic fluid leak. This benefit became an important safety precaution for personnel working under an aircraft while on tripod jacks.

From this beginning, Malabar’s primary business was aircraft jacks, including axle jacks for changing aircraft wheels and tires. During World War II Malabar produced tripod and axle jacks for the Navy, working 3 shifts daily, 6 days a week. Early in the War it became apparent a larger facility was required to meet production requirements. Malabar Machine Co. was relocated just a few blocks south to a new location on Santa Fe Ave.

At the end of the war (1945) Malabar was acquired by Menasco Manufacturing Company and was relocated about 10 miles North to South San Fernando Blvd. in Burbank, California to operate as the “Malabar Division” of Menasco. Menasco’s primary business was, and still is today, the manufacture of aircraft landing gear. After 1945, Malabar’s sales efforts included both domestic and international airlines and airframe manufacturers.

In 1950 Menasco’s aircraft landing gear business had expanded to the point where they needed the
space occupied by the Malabar Division. During the same year the Malabar Division was sold to the Osborne Machinery Company and was relocated to Doolittle Drive in San Leandro, California (near the current Oakland International Airport) and was renamed the Malabar Manufacturing Company. Eighteen years later, Malabar was acquired by Mr. E. D. “Gene” Sweetland in 1969. The name was then changed to Malabar Hydraulics. Malabar’s business grew very rapidly after 1971, establishing Malabar with a worldwide reputation for quality and service. In 1977 Malabar had outgrown the facility in San Leandro. In 1978 a new facility was built in Simi Valley, the current location. A few years ago, Mr. Sweetland again changed the name to Malabar International. The Company logo has undergone many changes since 1935 but it has always maintained the one name consistent with it’s worldwide recognition and reputation......MALABAR. This year, 2005, is Malabar’s 70th Anniversary!

Malabar continues to manufacture our quality jack products but in addition offer and ever expanding line of aircraft maintenance and support equipment. We trust this comprehensive website of our products and services will assist you in your aircraft maintenance operations.