Harken Marine Hardware

Harken, Inc. is a premier manufacturer and distributor of innovative sailboat hardware and industrial equipment. Founded in 1968 by brothers Peter and Olaf Harken, the company gained fame with the invention of the ball-bearing block, which revolutionized how sailors handle heavy loads. While deeply rooted in competitive sailing circles, the brand has since expanded into industrial safety and rescue equipment under its Harken Safety & Rescue division.

Manufacturing for Harken products is largely concentrated in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, USA, where its global headquarters are located, and in Limido Comasco, Italy. This dual-continent manufacturing strategy allows the brand to maintain high quality control and precision engineering standards for their specialized hardware. The company remains a private entity, maintaining its culture of engineering excellence across both the marine and professional safety sectors.

In 2020, Harken announced an ownership transition to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), making the company 100% employee-owned. This ensures that the legacy of the Harken brothers continues through the workforce that designs and builds the products. The brand remains an American success story with a massive global footprint in the maritime industry.