The Westinghouse brand has been a household name for over a century, synonymous with quality, innovation, and reliability. From lighting up homes to powering industries, Westinghouse has been a pioneer in the electric industry, leaving an indelible mark on the world. But have you ever wondered, who makes Westinghouse brand? In this article, we will delve into the fascinating history of Westinghouse, exploring its humble beginnings, its rise to fame, and the various companies that have owned and operated the brand over the years.
The Founding Years: George Westinghouse and the Birth of a Giant
The story of Westinghouse begins in 1846, when George Westinghouse Jr. was born in Central Bridge, New York. Growing up in a family of inventors, George was instilled with a passion for innovation and a keen sense of entrepreneurship. After serving in the Civil War, Westinghouse went on to study engineering and patent law, eventually establishing his own company, Westinghouse Machine Co., in 1869.
Westinghouse’s early success came with the invention of the rotary steam engine, which revolutionized the industry with its efficiency and power. However, it was his development of the air brake system for trains that truly put him on the map. The air brake system, patented in 1869, enabled trains to stop quickly and safely, reducing accidents and fatalities. This invention not only made Westinghouse a fortune but also earned him international recognition.
The Rise of Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co.
In 1886, Westinghouse turned his attention to the burgeoning field of electricity. He founded the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with the goal of developing and marketing electrical systems. Westinghouse’s pioneering spirit and innovative approach quickly paid off, as his company began to win contracts to build electrical power plants and transmission lines across the United States.
One of Westinghouse’s most significant achievements during this period was the development of the alternating current (AC) system, which he championed against Thomas Edison’s direct current (DC) system. The “War of the Currents” was a fierce battle between the two inventors, but Westinghouse’s AC system ultimately prevailed due to its greater efficiency and flexibility.
The Golden Age of Westinghouse
The early 20th century was a golden age for Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co. The company continued to innovate and expand, introducing new products and technologies that transformed industries and households. Some notable achievements during this period include:
- Development of the first electric oven (1910)
- Introduction of the first electric washing machine (1911)
- Launch of the first AM radio broadcasting station (1920)
- Development of the first television broadcasting system (1928)
Westinghouse’s commitment to quality and innovation earned the company numerous awards and recognition, including the prestigious Edison Medal in 1932.
The Challenges and Changes of the 20th Century
The post-war period saw significant changes in the electric industry, with increased competition and consolidation. Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co. faced challenges in adapting to these changes, and the company underwent several transformations in response.
In 1966, Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co. merged with Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) to form the Westinghouse Broadcasting Company. This marked a significant shift in focus, as the company began to divest its electrical manufacturing operations and focus on broadcasting and media.
In the 1980s, Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co. was acquired by the investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR), which eventually sold the company to CBS in 1995. This marked the end of Westinghouse’s independence as a company, as it was absorbed into CBS’s operations.
Who Makes Westinghouse Brand Today?
So, who makes Westinghouse brand today? The answer is a bit complicated. After undergoing numerous mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, the Westinghouse brand has changed hands multiple times. Today, the brand is owned and operated by several different companies, each focusing on specific product lines and markets.
- Westinghouse Electric Company: This company, headquartered in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, is a leading provider of nuclear power plant products and services. It was spun off from CBS in 1999 and is now a subsidiary of the Japanese company Brookfield Business Partners.
- Westinghouse Lighting Corporation: This company, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, manufactures and distributes a range of lighting products, including lamps, fixtures, and LED lighting solutions. It was established in 2003 as a spin-off from the original Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co.
- Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment: This company, based in Columbus, Ohio, produces and distributes outdoor power equipment, including generators, pressure washers, and lawn mowers. It was established in 2017 as a subsidiary of the investment firm, Positec Tool Corporation.
These companies, along with others, operate under the Westinghouse brand, leveraging its rich history and reputation for quality and innovation. While the brand has undergone significant changes over the years, its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction remains unwavering.
| Year | Event | Company/Owner |
|---|---|---|
| 1869 | George Westinghouse founded Westinghouse Machine Co. | George Westinghouse |
| 1886 | Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co. founded | George Westinghouse |
| 1966 | Merged with CBS to form Westinghouse Broadcasting Company | CBS |
| 1980s | Acquired by KKR | KKR |
| 1995 | Sold to CBS | CBS |
| 1999 | Westinghouse Electric Company spun off from CBS | Brookfield Business Partners |
| 2003 | Westinghouse Lighting Corporation established | Private investors |
| 2017 | Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment established | Positec Tool Corporation |
In conclusion, the Westinghouse brand has undergone a remarkable journey, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a global leader in the electric industry. While the company has changed hands multiple times, its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction remains unwavering. As we look to the future, it will be exciting to see how the Westinghouse brand continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the electric industry.
What was the early life of George Westinghouse like?
George Westinghouse was born on October 6, 1846, in Central Bridge, New York, to Emile and Emeline Westinghouse. He grew up in a family of modest means and was the eighth of nine children. Despite the financial struggles, George’s parents encouraged his curiosity and inventive nature from a young age. He was particularly fascinated by machines and mechanics, often spending hours tinkering with tools and gadgets in his father’s machine shop.
Westinghouse’s early life was marked by a strong sense of determination and entrepreneurial spirit. He dropped out of college to pursue his own business ventures, eventually patenting his first invention, a rotary steam engine, at the age of 19. This early success laid the foundation for Westinghouse’s future endeavors, including the development of the air brake system that would make him a legend in the world of industry.
What was George Westinghouse’s most significant invention?
George Westinghouse’s most significant invention is perhaps the air brake system, which revolutionized the railroad industry in the late 19th century. Prior to Westinghouse’s invention, trains relied on manual braking systems that were prone to failure and often resulted in catastrophic accidents. Westinghouse’s air brake system, patented in 1869, used compressed air to apply pressure to brake shoes, allowing for simultaneous braking of all cars on a train. This innovation greatly improved safety and efficiency in the railroad industry, earning Westinghouse widespread recognition and acclaim.
The air brake system was a masterpiece of engineering, requiring intricate networks of pipes, valves, and cylinders to function seamlessly. Westinghouse’s invention not only saved countless lives but also transformed the railroad industry, enabling faster and more reliable transportation of goods and people. The success of the air brake system cemented Westinghouse’s status as a pioneer in innovation and paved the way for his future endeavors, including the development of alternating current (AC) systems for electrical power distribution.
What was the “War of Currents” and how did Westinghouse play a role in it?
The “War of Currents” was a period of intense competition between Thomas Edison’s direct current (DC) system and George Westinghouse’s alternating current (AC) system for electrical power distribution in the late 1880s. Edison, who had developed the first practical incandescent light bulb, advocated for DC systems, while Westinghouse championed AC systems. The two inventors engaged in a heated battle, using propaganda, public demonstrations, and marketing campaigns to sway public opinion and secure lucrative contracts.
Westinghouse played a crucial role in the “War of Currents” by demonstrating the superiority of AC systems in terms of efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. He purchased the rights to Nikola Tesla’s AC motor patents and worked tirelessly to develop a comprehensive AC system. Westinghouse’s persistence paid off when he won the contract to light the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, illuminating the entire fair with AC power. This victory marked a turning point in the “War of Currents,” cementing AC systems as the standard for electrical power distribution and solidifying Westinghouse’s reputation as a visionary inventor.
What was the impact of Westinghouse’s AC system on society?
The impact of Westinghouse’s AC system on society was profound and far-reaching. By enabling the efficient and safe distribution of electrical power over long distances, AC systems facilitated the widespread adoption of electric lighting, transforming urban landscapes and revolutionizing daily life. The AC system also powered the growth of industry, enabling the development of new manufacturing technologies and facilitating the rapid expansion of metropolitan areas.
Westinghouse’s AC system also had a profound impact on the environment. By reducing the energy waste associated with DC systems, AC systems decreased the environmental footprint of industrial activities. Moreover, the widespread adoption of AC systems enabled the development of new technologies, such as refrigeration and air conditioning, which further transformed daily life. Today, the AC system remains the backbone of modern electrical power distribution, powering everything from households to heavy industry.
What was Westinghouse’s role in the development of radio communication?
George Westinghouse played a significant role in the development of radio communication by recognizing the potential of Guglielmo Marconi’s pioneering work in wireless telegraphy. In 1895, Westinghouse acquired the rights to Marconi’s patents and established the Westinghouse Wireless Telegraph Company, which later became a leading manufacturer of radio equipment. Westinghouse’s support and resources enabled Marconi to refine his technology, leading to the development of transatlantic radio communication.
Westinghouse’s involvement in radio communication went beyond mere financial support. He was fascinated by the potential of wireless communication to revolutionize global communication and saw it as a natural extension of his work in electrical engineering. Under Westinghouse’s guidance, the company developed new technologies and improved existing ones, paving the way for the widespread adoption of radio communication in the early 20th century.
What was Westinghouse’s personal life like?
George Westinghouse’s personal life was marked by simplicity, humility, and a strong sense of social responsibility. Despite his immense wealth and success, Westinghouse remained humble and unassuming, preferring to focus on his work rather than seek public adoration. He was deeply devoted to his wife, Marguerite, and their children, and maintained a strong sense of family throughout his life.
Westinghouse was also deeply committed to philanthropy and social reform. He was a vocal advocate for workers’ rights and fair labor practices, often clashing with industry leaders who prioritized profits over people. Westinghouse’s philanthropic efforts focused on education and healthcare, particularly in his native Pittsburgh, where he established various institutions and programs to support the local community. Despite his many achievements, Westinghouse remained a private figure, preferring to focus on his work and family rather than seek public recognition.
What is Westinghouse’s legacy in modern times?
George Westinghouse’s legacy in modern times is a testament to his enduring impact on science, technology, and society. The Westinghouse Electric Corporation, which he founded in 1886, remains a leading manufacturer of nuclear energy products and services, as well as a major provider of rail and industrial solutions. The company’s commitment to innovation and safety reflects Westinghouse’s own values and ethos.
Beyond his corporate legacy, Westinghouse’s pioneering work in electrical engineering and innovation continues to inspire new generations of inventors, engineers, and entrepreneurs. His story serves as a beacon of hope for those who dare to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of human knowledge. In an era of rapid technological change, Westinghouse’s legacy reminds us of the importance of perseverance, creativity, and social responsibility in shaping a better future for all.