The Original Backup Generators

I was recently looking at backup generators and came across a company called Winco Inc. They boasted being around since 1927, which I thought was quite early for a company that made generators. I wondered if they started making something else and then evolved into generators (which is quite common in the evolution of a company), but discovered that was not the case. Winco started making generators in 1927, and that is what they still do today. As they say, "Generators are what we do and we do them well."

When I think of the internet today, it is indispensable in my life. It is used for work, entertainment, news, connection with friends and family, and for instant information. Rather amazing since I hadn't even heard of the internet 20 years ago. Well, the internet to us today, is the same as the radio was to everyday people in 1927. Families sat around them in the evening for entertainment, news and the latest information. It allowed them access to important world events quicker than anything that had been previously available.

Recognizing this importance is what lead John and Gerhard Albers of Iowa to develop a wind generator. These original backup generators consisted of a six-volt storage battery which was charged by wind power and used to power radios. This was perfect for the home that either didn't have electricity or for power outages. This ingenious device was known as the Wincharger, and soon John and Gerhard were making them for friends and neighbors.

The company grew and became incorporated in 1935. The radio company, Zenith Corp., purchased controlling shares of the company in late 1935, and began offering the Wincharger for $10 with the purchase of a Zenith radio. By 1937, Zenith had purchased the remaining shares of Wincharger stock. To provide power to a wider demographic, larger Winchargers were developed: the 12-volt, 32-volt, and 110-volt backup generators.  By this time the Wincharger was internationally known for its unfailing dependability.

Though the company was already on its way to being very successful, what really launched them into the big time was the important role they played in World War II. Wincharger developed the Dynamotor which was used in military aircraft and ships. I bet that was something John and Gerhard never even thought of when they were developing a way to listen to their radio in rural Iowa in 1927! Not only did they supply for the Army and Navy, but they also received numerous awards for excellence as a quality military supplier.

They Dynamotor backup generators are still sold today, and were the predecessor to many other generators. Wincharger continued to grow their line of products. They expanded into inverters, engine driven generators, transistorized converters, alternators, radio receiving sets and more. As well as generators for different purposes, anywhere from portable to industrial and ranging in size from 6,000 to 75,000 volts.

The company continued to be known as Wincharger until 1968 when they were sold to AMICOR Corporation, and their name was change to Winco. But regardless of name or parent company, Winco has continued to develop and improve upon their designs. Their commitment to quality, innovation and dependability has been proven over and over again as they continue to produce reliable backup generators. Whether you need one for your home, the job site, or a larger one for industrial purposes, Winco generators are worth checking out.