Garmin smartwatches and GPS navigation devices

Founded in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Min Kao, Garmin (originally ProNav) began in Lenexa, Kansas, USA. The brand revolutionized the global positioning system (GPS) market by developing compact, high-performance devices for aviation, marine, and outdoor activities. Today, Garmin is recognized as a world leader in wearable fitness technology and precision navigation equipment.

While the company is incorporated in Switzerland for tax and legal purposes, its operational focus remains in the United States and Taiwan. Garmin is unique in the tech industry for its vertically integrated business model, where it owns and operates many of its own manufacturing facilities. The majority of its consumer electronics are produced in Taiwan, while specialized aviation products are often manufactured in the United States. The brand remains an independent publicly traded entity, ensuring its legacy of innovation continues under its own ultimate management.