Corporation history dates back to 1919 with its founder Walter Vallett, Sr.’s entry into the water heater business. Mr. Vallett was a true industry pioneer, having been instrumental in the development of the first automatic gas-fired water heaters early in his career. Walter Vallett, Sr. founded the Walter Vallett Company May 16, 1946. After acquiring the Michigan Tank and Furnace Company, the company name was changed to Lochinvar Water Heater Corporation. In 1978, his son William Vallett became president and grew the business through his innovation and leadership until his retirement in 1992.
Today the company continues to be a closely held, 3rd generation, family-owned corporation headed by Bill Vallett, Jr., President and Executive Vice Presidents, Jeff Vallett and Tom Vallett.
The company has grown steadily through the years: 1970 Corporate Headquarters moved from Detroit, Michigan to Nashville, Tennessee. 1989 a new distribution center was completed in Detroit, Michigan. 1992 our Dallas warehouse doubled in size. 1995 a new Engineering Tech Center was opened in Nashville, Tennessee. 1996 a new warehouse facility was added in Tampa, Florida. 1998 a new warehouse facility was added in Philadelphia, and a new tank manufacturing facility was built on 73 acres in Lebanon, Tennessee. 1998 Lochinvar Corporation acquired its United Kingdom agent, Lochinvar Ltd. This newest acquisition has enabled
Lochinvar to have a European base from which to better develop the United Kingdom and Western European markets. In 2001 Lochinvar moved into our New World Headquarters built on 125 acres in Lebanon, Tennessee. Our New Headquarters contains all Lochinvar facilities; the Administrative offices, a New Engineering Tech Center with an engineering research & development testing lab, a state-of-the-art, 100-seat amphitheater-style training facility, plus 8 Manufacturing lines and distribution.
From modest beginnings, Lochinvar has evolved into a major manufacturer and innovator of new products and technologies for heating water – for both sanitary and space heating purposes. Lochinvar also continues the tradition of setting industry standards for heating water efficiently.
Lochinvar takes pride in its engineered products concept in pursuing the commercial/industrial, specialty water heating, hydronics and pool heater markets. This concept encourages a close working relationship with consulting engineers, architects and project designers in the interest of developing water heating or hydronic systems perfectly suited to specific project requirements.
Lochinvar distributes its products throughout the United States and Canada, along with such export markets as: Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Australia, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East. Our representation currently includes independent representatives and company sales and sales management personnel, each offering the most professional sales and technical expertise available.
