05/28/2026
Today, Bourns honors what would have been the 106th birthday of our founder, Marlan Bourns.
Marlan and his wife Rosemary Bourns co-founded Bourns, Inc., (initially called “Bourns Laboratories”) in 1947, based in the single car garage of their Pasadena, CA home. By 1952, Marlan had invented and patented the world’s first trimming potentiometer, trademarked Trimpot®.
A breakthrough in aeronautics safety, the Trimpot® is considered industry standard for accurate circuit adjustments to this day. Marlan’s invention laid the groundwork for a continued commitment to innovation at Bourns, leading to nearly 100 additional patents and 19 globally-trusted product lines.
Marlan’s impact reached well beyond his technical prowess; he was fiercely dedicated to education, service, and improving the lives of his employees and community. Under his leadership, Bourns became one of the first companies to provide profit sharing for employees.
Together, Marlan and Rosemary supported future generations of engineers and innovators through scholarships and STEM educational programs that continue today through the Bourns Foundation, a family legacy now carried forward by their children and grandchildren.
Please join us in celebrating Marlan’s life, his passion for engineering and invention, and the spirit of problem-solving that helped shape Bourns from the very beginning.
Happy 106th birthday, Marlan.
