1875
John T. Hartzell founded the sawmill business and began manufacturing farm wagons in Greenville, Ohio.
1900
The sawmill moved from Greenville to Piqua, Ohio, to a more modern sawmill. They specialized in processing hardwood and exported internationally. George W. Hartzell pioneered a process of steaming lumber, a process still used by Hartzell Hardwoods in Piqua today.
1917
George’s son, Robert N. Hartzell, joined the company after studying engineering at the University of Cincinnati with an interest in aviation. Later he teamed up with Orville and Wilbur Wright and Glen Curtis when they came to Piqua to pick out straight grained walnut lumber to make aircraft propellers. Hartzell built propellers for both WWI and WWII. This marks the beginning of the Hartzell Walnut Propeller company in Piqua.
1927
Hartzell Fan was established to improve air quality in their own facility, and in turn marketed that product to the general public. Hartzell engineered and built its first airfoil blade that was 20% more efficient than any other in the market.
1928
As a founding member of AMCA, we created one of the first wind tunnels to measure air and sound performance.
1940
Developed Hartzite plastic, a chemical-resistant material, used in construction of cooling tower fans, which led to the development of our fiberglass fan material.
1945
Vaneaxial propellers were introduced to the Fan division line to offer fans with higher pressures.
1956
Developed and introduced Gas Fired Make Up Air units to expand product line to include heating and air products.
1957
Developed the first all-fiberglass fans for industrial use, which provided a more chemical-resistant and lighter-weight material than metal.
1964
Built the present Research and Development Laboratory and was introduced to AMCA accreditation requirements for air and sound performance structural testing.
1989
Replaced wind tunnel with state-of-the-art technology using automated processes and also achieved AMCA accreditation for air and sound testing.
1991
Introduced the only one-piece resin transfer FRP centrifugal wheel in the marketplace. This airfoil-shaped centrifugal wheel allows for higher efficiency and consistency for air and sound performance.
1996
Expansion of Portland, Indiana, fan plant to add manufacturing capacity for fiberglass operations.
2008
Patent received on adjustable pitch prop design on Axial Duct Fan AL prop to increase efficiency.
2011
In October of 2011, Hartzell opened a new manufacturing and sales office in Singapore to better support international customers and assist in the global expansion strategy.
2012
Hartzell achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification and launched new company-wide brand image to form synergy throughout all divisions of the Hartzell companies. Hartzell Fan will be known as Air Movement to allow for future growth opportunities. Hartzell also launched the AM Prop, a medium-pressure, adjustable-pitch, marine-duty propeller, in December 2012 to complete its marine fan product line.
2012
High Bay project extends Hartzell’s offerings of fiberglass centrifugal wheel widths of up to 98”.
2013
Hartzell achieved ABS certification to add more methods of assuring and controlling quality during production.
2013
Powder Coating System launched, providing increased standard coat coverage and paint thickness as well as greater durability and resiliency within the specific application.
2013
Hartzell-FLOW®
Hartzell’s proprietary selection and configuration software is launched, enabling engineers and contractors to precisely configure the correct fans and blowers for their projects.
See why Hartzell is the leader in product design, manufacturing and performance.