In the 1940s while working at Pick Manufacturing, Alan Pick and consultant engineer C.D. Kern developed a concept of direct steam injection water heating. As a celebrated WWII Navy veteran, Alan understood its potential need for use on naval ships. Ultimately it was not used aboard ships, but little did they know that this innovative solution would blossom into an international multi-million-dollar corporation.
A History of Excellence
The Pick Heater journey began in 1943 when Carl Pick acquired Mona Sales, a West Bend company marketing a steam injection heater. Alan understood that improvements could be made to the Mona design, leading to the development of the Pick Heater in 1945 — a quiet and efficient steam injection heater with a modulating piston arrangement that is still in use today. This groundbreaking method of heat transfer was patented in 1948. Current owner, Prudence Pick Hway, is the third generation of the Pick family to lead the business.
Milestones and Product Offerings
Over the last eight decades, Pick has evolved and expanded its product offerings, becoming a trusted name in the process industries. The company secured multiple patents contributing to advancements in steam injection heating technology. Notable milestones include the 1976 patent for preventing water hammer in high-pressure steam injection heaters and the 1984 patent for the award-winning Sanitary heater. Pick is the only steam injection company to offer a true instantaneous variable water flow design for multiple use points. A slight modification to the proven Pick heater design, referred to as the BX Heater is successfully applied for industrial starch cooking, slurry, and wastewater heating. Pick Heaters’ latest product is a desuperheater with a single nozzle water spray design.
Diverse Applications
Today, Pick Heaters remains committed to providing high-quality, efficient, and reliable heating solutions to a diverse range of industries, including food processing, chemical and pharmaceutical processing, pulp and paper, power, renewable fuels and more. The company's dedication to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement has solidified its position as an industry leader.
Looking to the Future
As Pick Heaters celebrates this significant anniversary, the company extends its gratitude to its loyal customers, dedicated employees, and partners who have supported its journey. The next generation holds exciting possibilities as Pick Heaters continues to lead the way in process heating technology.
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