Red Dot Corporation Founded

By the early 1960s, the commercial possibilities of Runnings' heaters were evident. In 1963, the name "Red Dot" was copyrighted. The name is the result of Runnings' displeasure with the cumbersome name, "West Seattle Radiator Service," which was threatening to become "West Seattle Radiator Service and Heater Manufacturing Company." Runnings had long vowed that if he ever started another company, the name would fit on the payee line of a check.

Following incorporation in 1965, Red Dot Corporation moved into its own building in Seattle, and in 1967, further expanded its facilities to meet growing manufacturing demands.

The versatility, performance and quality built into Red Dot products were being sought out by a growing number of heavy truck OEMs (original equipment manufacturers).