Our History
1927
The first "HEATILATOR" fireplace rolls off an assembly line in Syracuse, New York under the corporate name "Chemical Toilet Corp."
1929
The "HEATILATOR" fireplace is completely redesigned to what became known as the Mark C model.
1930
Chemical Toilet Corp. changes its name to San-Equip, Inc.
1946
A new factory-built fireplace system eliminates the need for masonry construction.
1955
The Uni-bilt fireplace introduces the zero-clearance line. The corporate name changes again, to Vega Industries.
1964
The manufacturing facility relocates to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.
1968
The Heatilator Mark 123 is introduced. It goes on to become the biggest selling masonry form in the industry.
1972
The first zero-clearance heat-circulating fireplace enters the market.
1981
HON Industries purchases the fireplace division of Vega Industries.
1991
The Heatilator E Series is launched. It eventually supplants the Mark 123 as the biggest selling fireplace in the history of the industry.
2002
Heatilator celebrates 75 years in business. Since 1927, its reputation for quality and durability has made Heatilator the most recognized, most popular and most preferred brand among homebuilders. Heatilator holds more than 25 patents. The Icon 100 wood burning fireplace receives the Vesta Award, recognizing the industry's best in technology and innovation.
2003
The Silhouette Ambient Electric Fireplace Series receives the Vesta Award at the industry's international showcase, once again acknowledging Heatilator's best-in-class innovation and technology.
2005
Heatilator wins a Vesta Award in the Gas Logs category for its stunning Fireside Grand Oak Gas Logs.
2008
Heatilator introduces the Birmingham masonry-style woodburning fireplace, which offers a masonry fireplace appearance at a fraction of the cost of a site-built masonry fireplace. The Birmingham is designed with molded brick panels in your choice of traditional or herringbone brick that reflect a true firebrick color and size as well as actual mortared grout lines. It can also be installed flush on a combustible floor. Available in two opening widths of 42” or 50”. With no exposed sheet metal, it’s the most realistic masonry-style manufactured fireplace on the market today!
2008
Hearth & Home Technologies introduces the industry's first and only see-through electric fireplace. The Simplifyre SFE-ST creates a dramatic room divider that can literally go anywhere. No venting. No gas lines. It’s easy to install, just plug it in to any 110 volt outlet. The generous 27” x 20” viewing area on both sides shows off the realistic-looking flickering flame and logs. Comes standard with on/off control and fixed glass doors for both sides. And it’s extremely economical to operate – just 5 cents/day!