The EZ-ZONE" ST platform is perhaps the most important development in a long line of Watlow's innovation in the control industry. But Watlow got its start in controllers back in 1976 with the purchase of Waynco Manufacturing, based in Winona, Minnesota. Multiple acquisitions, innovations and patents followed in the 1980s and 1990s, greatly enhancing Watlow's position in the market. While Watlow was not well-known in the control industry for many years, this growth spurt put Watlow controllers on the map. With the development of EZ-ZONE technology, Watlow is taking a giant leap forward, with the backing of Watlow's history and manufacturing quality to back up this major innovation. 1976
Watlow purchases Waynco Manufacturing (Watlow supplier) in Winona, MN. 1981
Watlow purchases Adlake's mercury displacement relay division adding power switching ability to their product line. 1984
Watlow doubles space in Winona with a new manufacturing facility. 1989
Watlow purchases Loyola Controls, Inc. (power controllers) in Orange, CA. 1991
Introduction of NEMA 4X enclosures for loop controller. Loyola product line is moved to Winona manufacturing facility. 1992
Watlow develops smart start algorithm for plastic molding machines. 1993
Watlow develops oxygen sensing device for medical instruments. Watlow self certifies to EC standards for EMI and EMC. 1994
Watlow develops modular universal input circuits. 1995
Watlow becomes majority investor in ANAFAZE, Inc. (multi-loop controllers and software products) in Watsonville, CA. Watlow integrates of logic controller and embedded operating system. 1996
Watlow invents:
Patented specialized controller with heater loads. Patented solid state/mechanical relay to extend relay life 10 times. Integration of Liquid Crystal displays (LCDs) in industrial environments. 1997
Watlow invents patented controller menu system for SERIES F4 controller. Patented Graphical User Interface (GUI) for ramping controller programs developed. 1998
Watlow:
Patents communication switch for RS485 connector. Integrates of real time operating system (RTOS). Integrates of 32 bit microprocessor. Integrates of FLASH based memory. 1999
NAFEM industry communication data protocol becomes standard design. Watlow Decorah (Integrated Products) are moved to Winona manufacturing facility. 2000
Watlow integrates front panel infrared communications via Palm Pilots. 2001
Watlow:
Integrates Ethernet and web based communications. Develops SERIES SD, a single controller platform scaling loop controller line. Develops SERIES N7 a flexible custom controller platform. 2002
Watlow is first to market SNMP gateway for food industry. 2003
Watlow ANAFAZE multiloop products are moved to Winona. Watlow's SERIES PD, a distributive network controller was developed. 2005
Watlow begins "Voice of Customer" visits for EZ-ZONE integrated control loop. 2006
Watlow introduces EZ-ZONE ST integrated control loop.
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