 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
History
|
Aermotor Windmill has a very interesting 118 year business history. However, one simple truth stands
undiminished by time or geography. Aermotor Windmill has continuously manufactured windmills since 1888
and is the only windmill manufacturer in the USA.
There is only one genuine Aermotor windmill. We take great pride in that simple fact, and we welcome
the opportunity to have you as a customer.
1888
The Aermotor was introduced. Only 24 were sold the first year. The new "mathematical"
windmill, as it was derisively called by the competitors, embodied all the principles learned
from previous experiments. It also had back gearing which allowed the wheel to make about 3 revolutions
for each stroke, resulting in much greater lifting power.
 | 1890
Aermotor's first factory, built in the fall of 1890 occupied only the large building on the right. Aermotor expanded so rapidly the building on the left was added. In 1892, the one story building in the foreground was built and covered one acre. |
1892 Aermotor sold 20,000 windmills and the "mathematical" windmill's image had changed from a joke to a true necessity. Aermotor guaranteed its 8 foot steel mill to do more work than any 10 foot wooden mill. It actually would do more than some 12 foot mills. Aermotor was on its way to becoming the world's dominant windmill.
1904
Aermotor catalogs listed a wide range of accessories, such as hand pumps, wood and metal
tanks, equipment for power mills, such as feed cutters, power saws, corn shellers and numerous
specialty items. With their revolutionary mass production methods, Aermotor was able to reduce
the price of windmills to about 1/6th of the previous price, 8ft. windmills then sold
for about $25 and 20ft. mills for about $300.
1915
Aermotor introduced its auto-oiled windmill with an enclosed gear case, in which all the
working parts were continuously bathed in a light lubricating oil. This design reduced maintenance
to only once a year rather than previous weekly attention.
1918
Aermotor's founder, La Verne Noyes, donated nearly two and one half million dollars to
establish scholarships at many colleges and universities for veterans of the World War. These
scholarships are still available today. The largest benefactors were University of Chicago and
Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, La Verne's alma mater.
1919
La Verne Noyles dies.Having no direct heirs, he left the Aermotor Company to a tax paying
trust, with 48 colleges and universities as beneficiaries.
1926
"Bilby" towers, named for their designer, Jasper Bilby, were introduced. The inner tower
provided an undisturbed instrument platform. This tower was destined to become widely used by
the Army Engineer Corps as well as the Coastal and Geodetic Survey for much of the re-mapping
of this country. Aermotor also built the first electric transmission towers and were designing
and building most of the nation's forest observation towers. Other products during this period
were gasoline engines and electric generators.
1933
Aermotor 702 was introduced, featuring replaceable bearings and screw-type wheel arms.
Aermotor dealers and families, attending the "Century of Progress" World's Fair, were allowed
to camp in the Aermotor factory yard and eat in the company restaurant.
1941 - 1946
Aermotor became a subcontractor for Bell and Howell, and built precision lens mounts
for the highly secret Norden Bombsight.
1949
Aermotor's chief engineer, Daniel Scholes, who had designed Aermotor's deep well electric
pump became president.
1958
Aermotor Company was sold to Motor Products a corporation of Detroit, Michigan, a former
supplier of parts to the automotive industry.
1960
After purchasing the Bertram Yacht Company, Motor Products Corporation changed its name
to Nautec.
1964
Aermotor's manufacturing operation was moved to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
1965
Aermotor named Wendell C. Dean, who was sales manager during Aermotor's transitions and
growth in the electric pump market, as vice-president and general manager.
1969
Aermotor Windmill manufacturing named James E. Fetters, former export and marketing manager,
as vice president and general manager. Aermotor's headquarters moves to Conway, Arkansas.
1976
Aermotor was purchased by Valley Steel Product Co.
1979
The Brentwood, Missouri operation of Valley Pump moved to Conway, Arkansas to the Aermotor
plant and the Valley Pump headquarters was established at this location. Daniel F. Benson was
named division president.
1980
Valley Steel and Aermotor canceled their licensing agreement with Argentina and returned
the manufacturing of windmills to the U.S.
1981
Aermotor's manufacturing facilities were dedicated in Arkansas.In that same year 80% of
all windmills were built at Conway, Arkansas.
1984
Valley Pump Group was purchased by the Mueller Co. of Decatur, Illinois.
1986
Aermotor was purchased by an investor group and moved to San Angelo, Texas. The name was
changed to Aermotor Windmill Corporation.
1998
Aermotor was purchased by Kees Verheul. Aermotor has added new machinery and the entire
manufacturing facility and warehouse now total 40,000 square feet.
1999
Y2K compliant since 1888. Aermotor celebrates its second turn of the century.
2000
Aermotor makes important metallurgical advances using materials not available 15 years ago. R&D continues with patent applications in progress and new efficient designs on the drawing boards. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
