About ECR International

ECR has made it possible for people around the world to enjoy a higher standard of indoor heating and cooling comfort.

As a full-service provider of American engineered-and-manufactured hydronic and forced air products, ECR is recognized worldwide for its innovation, quality, performance and reliability.

ECR designs, manufactures and markets HVAC equipment including boilers, water heaters, hydronic system controls and furnaces in modern plants at Dunkirk and Utica New York; and Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada. A fourth ECR facility in Rome, New York, is dedicated to the design and manufacture of cooling products for residential, light commercial, institutional, and hospitality markets.

A Rich History

Beginning in 1928, Earle C. Reed established manufacturing facilities for cast iron boilers and radiators in Dunkirk and Utica, New York. ECR was formed in 1999 as a merger of The Utica Companies (Utica) and Dunkirk Radiator Corporation and named in his honor.

In the early years, Dunkirk manufactured cast iron boilers and radiators and Utica manufactured only cast iron radiators and baseboard and bought boilers from Dunkirk. However, as the demand for both company's products grew, the Utica and Dunkirk facilities have gone through many stages of improvements and modernization to meet the needs of our customers.

For example, during World War II both companies adapted their production to support the war effort. Utica manufactured hand grenade housings and converted part of their production capability to the manufacture of magnesium castings. Dunkirk manufactured cast iron hand grenade housings and bomb noses.

In the late 1950's, Dunkirk purchased The Sanitary Receiver Company for the purpose of manufacturing sheet metal products. In 1986, Utica purchased EnviroMaster International (EMI) of Rome, NY. EMI manufactures ductless split air conditioning systems, which are a very fast growing segment of the space cooling business. In 1992, EMI formed the RetroAire division. RetroAire manufactures package terminal air conditioning and heat pump units for both the new construction and replacement markets. In 1990, Utica purchased the Oneida Furnace Company. Oneida Royal has manufactured high quality furnaces since 1822.

The acquisition of these companies, as well as others, enables ECR customers to purchase a complete line of heating and cooling products from one source. ECR is the only North American company to make and market all of these products under one corporate roof.

On a per capita basis, the company is the largest supporter of local charities in its respective communities. In addition, Utica is the creator and sponsor of the 15 K (9.3 mile) Utica Boilermaker Road Race. From a start in 1978 that had 800 runners, this race is now one of the top ranked races in the country attracting nearly 10,000 runners and utilizing the services of over 4,000 volunteers.

ECR International was also a major sponsor of the billy mead ALS 5k Run for Research, an annual fundraiser and community gathering in Dunkirk. This event raised money for research into a cure for ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease and had raised close to a half million dollars since it's first running in 2000.

With a product line that covers nearly all space heating and cooling needs, revolutionary engineering and new design capabilities, ECR is leading the heating and cooling market towards a better future.

Now that's Innovative Living.