BraunAbility is an American manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vans and wheelchair lifts based in Winamac, Indiana.[1] It is currently owned by Investor AB. The company was founded by Ralph Braun, who had spinal muscular atrophy. Braun designed a wheelchair lift and steering controls, which allowed him to drive a 1970 converted full size Dodge van.[2] He began converting vans to sell to others. As sales grew, Braun was able to acquire Independent Mobility Systems. [3] IMS had previously been the largest manufacturer of wheelchair minivans. [4] Braun also acquired the Viewpoint Mobility line of wheelchair minivans, Ability Center, United Access, Performance Mobility, Kersey Mobility, ADA and Wheel Chair Vans of Florida. [3] Company sales have grown to $1,090 million a year in 2023.
- ^ The Indiana Economic Development Corp. (2013-08-12). "Wheelchair Vehicle Manufacturer Growing in Indiana - Newsroom - Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick" (Press release). Insideindianabusiness.com. Archived from the original on 2014-10-05. Retrieved 2015-04-27.
- ^ "How I Did It: Ralph Braun of BraunAbility". Inc.com. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
- ^ a b MT Staff Writer. "Manufacturing Today - The Braun Corp". manufacturing-today.com. Archived from the original on 27 April 2015. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
- ^ "Independent Mobility Systems - Rampvan - Transfer Seat - Liftvan". imsvans.com. Archived from the original on 2 February 2001. Retrieved 12 April 2015.