Company Timeline

1949: Henry Angelery launches Angelery Engineering and Research Co. (AERCO) from his garage in Englewood, New Jersey. Driven by a vision for a water heater with precise temperature control and without storage tanks, he pioneers the Helitherm, the world’s first compact, tankless water heater for commercial use.

1953: The company supplies its products to the newly commissioned USS Forrestal, the first U.S. supercarrier and the lead ship of her class.  

1954: AERCO moves into a new facility in Northvale, New Jersey, which would become its home for more than five decades as the then-small company sets off on its trajectory of growth to become the multi-million dollar firm that it is today. 

1960s: AERCO establishes an office in Toronto, marking its entry into the Canadian market. Throughout the 1960s, AERCO experienced significant growth, venturing into new territories and expanding its sales reach. By 1968, AERCO products are in British, Dutch, and Irish markets. 

1975: Angelery retires and passes the baton to new leadership. 

1980: The company unveils the E Heater indirect-fired water heater featuring a groundbreaking anticipator for feed-forward control, along with the CXT self-contained temperature regulator control valve. 

1982: AERCO introduces new water heater lines, including packaged water heaters and double wall heat exchangers. During this time, AERCO begins its development program to enter the gas-fired water heater and boiler market. 

1988: AERCO enters the boiler market with the KC 1000, the industry's first commercial condensing and modulating gas-fired domestic water heater and boiler. 

1980s-1990s: AERCO expands its global reach by establishing itself in China and Mexico followed by a joint venture with Korea. In 1997, AERCO introduces the Benchmark, the industry's most compact condensing and modulating boiler that not only simplified installation but also reduced operational costs, setting a new standard in the U.S. industry. 

2001-2010: As AERCO celebrates 50 years of innovation and becomes the first boiler manufacturer to receive third-party confirmation of performance efficiency from Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL). 

In 2003, AERCO incorporates Low NOx burners across all its products, contributing substantially to the health and well-being of building. The company introduces the Modulex boiler in 2006, a new line of high-efficiency, cost-effective aluminum boilers. The SmartPlate indirect water heater in 2009 offers a novel solution for domestic hot water needs, featuring water-to-water heaters requiring no storage tanks or blend valves. 

2011-present: AERCO relocates to its new corporate headquarters in Blauvelt, New York, which includes a manufacturing facility and an AHRI [Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute] accredited engineering research lab facility. AERCO’s world-class operation supports differentiated manufacturing competencies, including highly specialized brazing and welding, driving superior product performance and increased design flexibility. 

In 2014, AERCO becomes a part of Watts Water Technologies. 

In 2017, AERCO sets a new standard for commercial boilers with Benchmark Platinum, which boasts a robust set of advanced features, including AERtrim O₂ trim technology, Dual Returns, and onAER Predicative Maintenance. 

The following years, 2018-19, AERCO launches the Edge Controller, packed with seven ground-breaking industry-first capabilities, and its accompanying Edge mobile app, which enabled full unit setup and control of Benchmark Platinum boilers along with enhanced diagnostics and configuration capabilities that helped optimize boiler performance and operational efficiency. 

In 2020, AERCO expands the Benchmark line to include 4,000-5,000 MBH sizes. In 2021, AERCO introduces SmartPlate EV, an ultra-compact indirect water heater designed to enhance system efficiency and maximize energy savings. In 2022, the company introduces the Benchmark Outdoor, a corrosion-resistant outdoor enclosure. 

In 2024 AERCO launches Sequoia, a high voltage immersed electrode boiler for large commercial and industrial applications; CFR, the world's first stainless steel condensing boiler that can be installed safely in a Category I vent; and Benchmark E, a powerful emission-free electric boiler featuring Benchmark reliability, peak load management and hybrid plant capabilities.