Garmin Smartwatch and GPS Technology

Garmin is a leading global provider of navigation and wearable technology, originally founded in 1989. The company was established by Gary Burrell and Min Kao in Lenexa, Kansas, United States. The brand name itself is a portmanteau of the founders' first names. Garmin quickly became a pioneer in Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, initially serving the aviation and marine industries before expanding into automotive, outdoor, and fitness markets.

While the brand has its roots in the United States, its manufacturing operations are heavily concentrated in Taiwan. Garmin operates several large-scale production facilities in Taiwan, which handle the majority of its precision manufacturing for wearables and handheld devices. The company also maintains some manufacturing capacity in the U.S. and China to support various product lines and regional demands.

Today, Garmin Ltd. is a publicly traded company incorporated in Switzerland for tax and corporate purposes, though its operational headquarters remain in Olathe, Kansas. It remains an independent entity, serving as its own ultimate owner while managing a diverse portfolio of fitness trackers, smartwatches, and advanced navigation systems used worldwide.