Garrett Electronics, Inc., DBA Garrett Metal Detectors, was founded in 1964 by graduate engineer and businessman, Charles L. Garrett.

After receiving his degree in Electrical Engineering in 1959, Charles became deeply involved in NASA's burgeoning space program, designing electronics components for America's first moon landings.


An avocation becomes a profession

On weekends, Charles' lifelong love of treasure hunting and spirit for adventure drew him to the countryside where he would spend hours with a metal detector searching for coins, jewelry and other lost treasures. Disappointed in the performance of commercial instruments of the time, Charles was convinced he could build a better metal detector, one that would find treasure easily and quickly.

It wasn't long before Charles' longing to improve metal detector technology and his extensive knowledge of electronics would converge. In 1964, he began designing his very own hobby metal detector, spending many late nights toiling away in his tiny garage in rural North Texas. The following year, with $1000 in savings and his wife Eleanor's blessing, Charles bought enough parts to build 25 metal detectors and never looked back.


Technological pioneers

In the early 1970s, Garrett Electronics became incorporated and the Company took the metal detecting industry by storm. From the start, it pushed the envelope of existing technology, acquiring patents for innovative equipment and features, such as its groundbreaking Zero Drift circuitry (1971), the dual-coil BFO discriminator (1973), and the Gravity Trap® Gold Pan (1975).

The Company reinvested the bulk of its profits into product research and development, assembling one of the largest engineering departments devoted to finding new and improved ways of detecting metal.

By the late 1970s, Garrett's team of engineers knew that the key to building a truly superior instrument was to apply scientific principles to the latest computer technology. Their foresight and tenacity paid off in 1982 when the company was awarded the first US patent for the use of a computer chip in a metal detector. US Patent No. 4,709,213 paved the way for the development of the company's groundbreaking GTA (Graphic Target Analyzer) and Master Hunter® CX series of detectors, whose microprocessor-driven circuitry boasted such capabilities as target discrimination, sensitivity and depth, and offered an ease-of-use unheard of with analog detectors.


Foray into security management

It was also in 1982 that the Company was approached to draw upon its expertise in the field of hobby metal detection and develop security metal detectors for the Los Angeles Summer Olympics. Garrett met the challenge by manufacturing and installing 60 walk-through and 120 hand-held detectors. The two-week long historic event was a huge success. It marked the very first metal detector screening at an Olympics competition and provided the springboard for the launch of the Company's security division in 1982.


A global leader

Today, Garrett Metal Detectors is firmly established as one of the world's leading makers of advanced metal detection equipment. The Company boasts a complete range of hobby detectors designed for a variety interests and skill levels, as well as sophisticated security detectors that can be tailored to meet the needs of a variety of facilities and special events.

Garrett Metal Detector's reputation for product excellence is governed by the enduring precepts of Company founder and president, Charles Garrett.

"Years ago, my wife Eleanor and I resolved to produce the best equipment and provide the best service to our customers. These principles laid the foundation for Garrett and are the reasons the company is where it is today.”

A sustained commitment to product development and improvement combined with strong customer relations, has helped the Company identify the evolving needs of both hobbyists and security management professionals.

Garrett Metal Detectors serves its customers and prospects through a strong, worldwide network of independent dealers well versed in metal detector technology. The Company's European distribution center, located in Dordrecht, Netherlands, provides a base from which international clients are guaranteed prompt and efficient service.


The Garrett Academy of Metal Detection

Additionally, Garrett offers formal, practical instruction on how to create successful security checkpoint screening installations through the Garrett Academy of Metal Detection, a comprehensive training program that teaches customers and dealers how to set up, calibrate and maintain Garrett security detectors.

The Academy is one of several resources offered by a company deeply committed to education. Since the company's inception, Charles Garrett has written several books on the art of treasure hunting and continues to produce numerous instructional videos and manuals on operating Garrett detectors.


The future

As Garrett Metal Detectors approaches its 40th anniversary in 2004, it continues to raise the benchmark for integrity and quality within metal detector manufacturing.

The Company's team of dedicated engineers strives hard to challenge the status quo, working relentlessly to create new and better products and to broaden the use of existing technology.

Garrett Metal Detectors' uncompromising guarantee that each and every one of its instruments upholds the rigorous standards of Charles Garrett himself ensures that the Company's legacy of exceptional performance will endure well into the future.