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history

HISTORY

For over 100 years, Dalton Electric Heating Co., Inc. has been at the forefront of precision-engineered heating solutions for industrial applications. Our patented Watt-Flex® Cartridge Heaters and Diff-Therm® Platen Heaters set the industry standard for unmatched temperature control, efficiency, and reliability, serving critical sectors such as aerospace, automotive, composites, plastic, and more.

Headquartered in Ipswich, MA, Dalton has continuously expanded to meet growing demand, doubling our manufacturing space in 1995 and completing a state-of-the-art, two-story expansion in 2000. With an unwavering commitment to innovation and quality, we continue to redefine what’s possible in industrial process heating.

1920

Dalton

William H. Dalton starts Dalton Electric Company an appliance heating company based in Salem, Massachusetts

1922

Churchill Begins

Walter A. Churchill partners with W. H. Dalton as part owner, Treasurer of Dalton heads Eng. Design

1923

Electric Toaster

William H. Dalton patents electrical heater – patent 1,548,305 & 1,680,768 filed March 23, 1923 and July 1, 1924

1923

Dalton Electric Heating Co., Inc

Letters of inc. filed 12/28/1923

Dalton Electric Heating Company incorporates

William H. Dalton, Henry L. Stoughton Ethelbert Chapman appliance heaters

1926

Lower Heating Cost introduced

Walter A. Churchill written up in Electrical World Vol 87 pg. 464 documenting that Dalton’s heated rolls save corrugated board maker $2,000/yr.

1929

Toaster Patent sold

William H. Dalton sells toaster patents to Electric Toaster, Inc. of Syracuse, NY – div. of Prosperity Co. Salem, MA

1966

Diff-Therm®

Diff-Therm® platen heater – patented 3,275,801 W.A. Churchill’s novel idea swages tubular into casting. Vacuum pump users flock to the new design.

1972

John Churchill

W.A. Churchill passes and wills business to son John Churchill, recent Tufts grad who worked in the business since age 22

1978

Watt-Flex®

J.W. Churchill patents Split Sheath heater design Watt-Flex® 4,125,761 – the revolutionary design prevents bore seizure and last longer

1978

Beverly, MA

Company moves from small shop in Salem to former NE Dive Club in Beverly, MA

1980

Dalton acquired

Southport Enterprises acquires Dalton from J.W. Churchill

1983

Whitney Hired

Eli Whitney is hired to create and lead sales team. Doubles business in first 4 years.

1988

Dalton acquired

TSA acquires Dalton from Southport. TSA brings stable investment in people, sales, and capacity.

1989

Ipswich, MA

Company moves to our current site and World Head Quarters with plenty of room to expand and grow into.

2003

1M heater

Dalton makes 1 millionth heater in 2003, the next million will be done in almost half the time.

2005

Office Expansion

Two story addition houses new offices and expanding manufacturing footprint.

2006

Diff-Therm®

Diff-Therm® turns 40 years old. Dalton continues to drive vacuum diffusion pump sales.

2008

Watt-Flex®

Watt-Flex® celebrates 30 years of reducing cost of heating and warranted removal.

2019

Whitney Retires

Eli retires after 33 years. Steady hand and driving force delivers astounding 6.6% CAGR over career.