The Leece-Neville co. was organized in 1909 by Cleveland inventor Bennett M. Leece and financier Sylvester M. Neville.

In 1918, Leece had developed a self-starting ignition system, for which he received the patent for that year.

[1] Leece-Neville starters and electrical systems were standard position for the Haynes Automobile Company.

[2] The company flourished during World War II, producing electrical starters, generators, and Voltage regulators for airplanes, trucks, and industrial and marine equipment.

After the war, the company pioneered the use of the alternator on municipal vehicles such as fire trucks, police cars, and buses.