Abu Garcia
Abu Garcia is a globally renowned manufacturer of fishing tackle, particularly famous for its high-quality fishing reels (baitcasting and spinning). The company's history originates in Sweden.
The company was founded as A.B. Urfabriken (A.B.U.) in 1921 by Carl August Borgström in Svängsta, Sweden. Initially, it was a factory producing watches, taxi meters, and telephone timers.
Shift to Fishing (1940s): During World War II, demand for automotive and watch parts declined, and the founder's son, Göte Borgström, reoriented the production towards precision fishing reels.
Key Products and Innovations:
Record (1940s): The company’s first highly successful series of fishing reels.
Ambassadeur (1954): A legendary baitcasting reel that became the global benchmark for baitcasting and trolling. Its quality, durability, and precision earned the company international acclaim.
Cardinal (1965): The first successful series of spinning (fixed spool) reels.
Joint Name: The name Abu Garcia came about after the Swedish A.B.U. company merged with its major American distributor, the Garcia Corporation, in the 1970s.
Abu Garcia is known for its philosophy of "Precision Engineering." The Ambassadeur reels are still manufactured in Sweden and are regarded as some of the most reliable fishing tools globally.
