It was in the middle of America's Great Depression when young Cliff Garrett formed his company in a tiny, one-room office in Los Angeles in 1936. One year later, with customers totaling 130, the entrepreneur moved his growing business to a new location. By the end of the 1930s, the company's first product, an all-aluminum aircraft intercooler, had been built.

The fifties were marked by Garrett's diversification and expansion. On the industrial side, the first T-15 Turbocharger was delivered to the Caterpillar Company. It was followed by an order for 5,000 production units, leading to the formation of the AiResearch Industrial Division.

In the 90’s, Garrett Engine Boosting Systems experienced continued growth in its turbo business, propelled by strong demand for VNT™ turbos in Europe, where more and more passenger cars were powered by turbo diesel. In 1999, and its expansion in Asia. It became part of Honeywell after the merger of AlliedSignal and Honeywell.

In 2004, its business name was formally changed to Honeywell Turbo Technologies, while Garrett® has been retained as a product brand.