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When visitors come to the Chester, Connecticut or Charlestown, New Hampshire factories of Whelen Engineering Company, they are always surprised by the size and scope of the facilities. While in recent years many competitors have downsized or moved their manufacturing to other areas of the world to stay competitive, Whelen has, instead, maintained its edge in the market by responding to the needs of the emergency warning industry; designing and developing a wide range of innovative products.
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Whelen Engineering began in 1952 when George Whelen developed a rotating aircraft “anti-collision beacon.” This original concept was expanded to create a magnetic mounted beacon used by police, public safety, fire departments, and, to convert hearses to ambulance service! In 1963 Whelen began researching strobe technology in order to introduce affordable, highly effective strobe products to the light aircraft and automotive market.
During the 1970’s the company continued product development, adding aviation products and a broader line of automotive safety lighting. The first all strobe-enclosed crossbar was introduced as the 6000 Series, replaced in 1978 by the 8000 Series. The 70’s saw the introduction of the totally electronic Outdoor Warning Siren.
In 1983 Whelen announced a strategic advancement in lightbars the low profile “Edge 9000” Lightbar, an industry standard to the present day. Whelen developed the concept of uniform ambulance lighting, using more efficient and effective systems to reduce power consumption thereby increasing the reliability of these vehicles. The 90’s saw computer-networked vehicle warning, programmable warning equipment and instant operating diagnostics for safer vehicle operation. By the year 2000 Whelen had designed and developed the newest LED technology to create a diverse line of lighting products with exceptional performance and reliability.
In 1987 Whelen added a second manufacturing site, a 10,000 square foot building in Charlestown, NH where less than two dozen employees built sub-assemblies for the products marketed by the parent company. In 1991 the Charlestown plant was expanded to house plastic injection-molding equipment needed to produce quality, components vital to the product line. As demand for the highly regarded Whelen products grew, so did the company and today that facility supports a work force of over three hundred people in a plant over 200,000 square feet!
The garage workshop in Deep River, Connecticut has grown to a bustling 250,000 square foot plant in Chester. And, thanks to the pride and support of management, employees and customers, all our products continue to be designed, produced and assembled in America.
