Fred Todd: An Accomplished Teenager of Granger
Fred Todd: The Young Mechanical Genius of Granger
Long before founding Todd Welding & Machine Company (Twamco), Fred .W. Todd of Granger was already recognized for his extraordinary mechanical talent and inventive mind. At just 18 years old and a student at Cyprus High School, Fred spent his spare time building intricate models and experimenting with aeronautical concepts that rivaled the work of pioneers like Charles Lindbergh.
Fred constructed over 50 airplane models, many of which operated under their own power, using materials ranging from rubber and wood to steel. Among his most ambitious projects was a one-tenth scale model of a Boeing transport with a seven-foot wingspan, powered by twin engines and equipped for radio operation. He also designed innovative wings on a telescopic principle, allowing them to extend for takeoff and retract during flight—a concept that reflected both creativity and practical problem-solving.
Not limited to aviation, Fred also built an iceboat capable of reaching 40 miles per hour on Decker’s Lake, demonstrating his talent for engineering across multiple disciplines. Even while working with crude tools in his home workshop, he meticulously crafted models that replicated every detail of their real-life counterparts.
Fred’s early accomplishments reveal a practical dreamer: a young man driven by curiosity, mathematics, and a vision for advancing aeronautics. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for a lifetime of innovation, leading to the creation of Twamco, a company that would later produce trailers and heavy equipment for clients across the nation.
From these early experiments in aviation and engineering, Fred Todd went on to build a remarkable life spanning more than seven decades of creativity, innovation, and service. In 1938, he established Todd Welding & Machine Company (Twamco) at 1970 West 3500 South in Granger, growing it into a successful father-and-son enterprise specializing in commercial trailers and heavy equipment. His designs reached far beyond Utah, serving clients in Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, and even Cape Kennedy.
Fred’s inventive spirit remained undiminished throughout his life. He combined mechanical ingenuity, mathematics, and artistry, producing works that were as functional as they were beautiful. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he dedicated himself to family, faith, and community, raising seven children with his wife Veryle, nurturing curiosity, education, and creativity in them, and inspiring generations with his storytelling and wisdom.
Fred Todd passed away in 2006, leaving a legacy of ingenuity, artistry, and devotion. His life stands as a testament to the power of imagination, hard work, and family-centered living—a legacy that continues to enrich the history and memory of Granger and West Valley City.
