A Palmer Spring Company technician standing beside a Boston Fire Department truck under repair in the Woburn shop

About Us

The People Behind
177 Years

Six generations of the Palmer family, and the technicians who carry the work forward every day.

Our Story

From Carriage Springs to Heavy-Duty Trucks

Palmer Spring's history began in 1849, when English springsmith Joseph Palmer established the J. Palmer's Carriage Spring Company in Boston. The business initially manufactured and repaired springs for horse-drawn carriages, including coaches produced by the renowned Abbot-Downing Company. As transportation evolved from carriages to commercial trucks and heavy equipment, generations of the Palmer family adapted their expertise to meet the changing needs of New England. More than 175 years later, Palmer Spring remains family-owned and operated, with the sixth generation continuing a tradition built on craftsmanship, technical knowledge, and dependable service.

Today, Palmer Spring's Woburn location is a leading resource for the repair and maintenance of heavy-duty trucks, trailers, buses, motor homes, emergency vehicles, municipal equipment, and other commercial vehicles. Our experienced technicians specialize in truck suspension, leaf springs, brake systems, steering and front-end repair, single- and multi-axle alignments, driveline repair, custom U-bolts, and advanced ride and vibration analysis. From rebuilding worn suspension systems to diagnosing difficult handling or vibration concerns, we combine generations of practical experience with modern equipment to help keep hardworking vehicles safe, reliable, and on the road.

The Woburn facility is also home to an extensive parts operation serving repair shops, fleets, municipalities, and individual truck owners throughout New England. We stock thousands of new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find suspension, brake, axle, steering, and driveline components for a wide range of makes and models. Our capabilities also include in-house brake shoe relining, along with access to trusted brands such as Bendix, Webb, and Marathon. Whether you need a complete repair, a specialized component, or knowledgeable help locating a difficult-to-find part, Palmer Spring of Woburn delivers the quality, experience, and personal service that have defined our family business since 1849.

Historic Photographs

Six Generations, One Trade

  1. Historic photograph of Palmer Spring Company's original storefront location Our Original Location
  2. Historic photograph of the Palmer Spring Company team standing with a company truck Generations of the Palmer Spring Team
  3. Palmer Spring Company's current Woburn, Massachusetts facility with open garage bay doors Our Woburn Facility Today

Family Ownership

Six Generations of Palmers

Palmer Spring is led today by fifth-generation owner John Palmer, continuing a family tradition that stretches back to 1849. From Joseph Palmer's original carriage spring shop to today's full-service heavy-duty operation, every generation has adapted the family trade to what New England's trucks and fleets needed most.

1849
Founded by Joseph Palmer
5th
Generation, John Palmer
Woburn
Massachusetts, Our Home Today

What We Believe

Craftsmanship Over Shortcuts

We could have stopped being a spring shop generations ago. Instead, we adapted — carriage springs to truck springs, walk-in customers to full fleet accounts — without losing the hands-on craftsmanship the business was built on. We keep work in-house that other shops send out, like brake shoe relining, because doing it ourselves is how we control the quality. And when a part doesn't exist anymore, we don't just say no — we go looking.

Why Customers Trust Us

Built On More Than Just Parts

177+ Years, Six Generations

A family business that has never stopped adapting to what New England's fleets need.

In-House Capabilities

Work like brake shoe relining stays in-house, so we control the quality start to finish.

Trusted Brands

Access to trusted names like Bendix, Webb, and Marathon, alongside our own extensive inventory.

Ready to Work With Us?

Whether it's a repair, a part, or a question only 177 years of experience can answer — we're here.