Founded in 1931 from Hans von Kantzow’s discovery of the FeCrAl alloy, Kanthal develops industrial electric heating technology and resistance materials for high-temperature manufacturing. Based in Hallstahammar, Sweden, the company maintains its own production chain from melting alloys to finished products and invests 2 percent of turnover in research and development. Its heating materials and systems help industrial customers replace fossil-fuel heating with controlled electric processes.
ChromaloxFounded in the United States in 1917 by Pittsburgh engineer Edwin L. Wiegand, Chromalox designs and manufactures electric thermal technologies and industrial heating systems. Its long history runs from the strip heater that helped become the modern electric clothes iron to heaters used in nuclear plants, NASA launch systems, and the Apollo 11 lunar module. Now part of Spirax Group, Chromalox develops thermal solutions for demanding industrial applications while supporting the shift toward lower-carbon operations.PITTSBURGH, PA
Micropyretics Heaters International Inc. (MHI Inc.)Founded in Cincinnati in 1991, Micropyretics Heaters International Inc. manufactures patented electric thermal equipment and materials for energy-efficient industrial heating and decarbonization. Its work spans compact process-gas heaters and high-temperature steam generators, alongside specialized heating materials and controls, serving more than 1,300 customers and exporting to over 25 countries. MHI’s vertically integrated operation has developed its own electronics, refractories, software, and components since the mid-1990s.CINCINNATI, OH
Kuhlmann Electro-Heat A/SFounded in 1959, Danish family-owned Kuhlmann Electro-Heat A/S designs and manufactures electric surface-heating systems, including industrial heating blankets, drum heaters and custom silicone heaters. The company developed its first industrial heating blanket in 2002 for curing wind-turbine blades and now makes made-to-order solutions in-house for demanding industrial processes. Its products are used by customers in more than 65 countries, with specialized applications ranging from composite curing to maritime maintenance and high-voltage cable installation.SPRINGBORO, OH
Watlow Electric Manufacturing CompanyWatlow Electric Manufacturing Company is a St. Louis-founded industrial manufacturer that designs and makes complete thermal systems, including electric heaters, temperature sensors and control equipment. Founded by Louis Desloge Sr. in 1922 to produce heating elements for the shoe industry, Watlow now employs more than 4,200 people across 12 manufacturing facilities and five technology and development centers. The company holds more than 1,100 patents and brings a century of thermal engineering experience to demanding industrial applications worldwide.LOUIS, MO