Blodgett History

Building Quality Products Since 1848

COMPANY HISTORY

	1848		Blodgett was founded in 1848 by Gardner Spring Blodgett following his creation of an improved commercial wood-burning oven for a local Vermont tavern owner.
	1854		The first patent of an improved product for baking.
	1892		John S. Patrick, then secretary and treasurer, purchased the company from G.S. Blodgett. The Patrick family remained involved with the company operations for three generations.
	1902		Blodgett began to develop ovens utilizing gas an energy source.
	1950s		Blodgett pizza deck ovens were introduced.
	1960s		Convection-style cooking was discovered and Blodgett developed a complete line of gas and electric convection ovens.
	1981		Blodgett acquired the assets of J.C. Pitman & Sons, Inc. a New Hampshire based manufacturer of commercial frying equipment. This acquisition was the basis for Pitco Frialator, Inc.
	1982		Blodgett acquired Q Industries Food Equipment Company, a small Chicago producer of conveyorized ovens. In 1989, the operation moved to Burlington and is now part of the Blodgett product line.
	1985		Blodgett entered into a licensing agreement with a German manufacturer for the distribution of a unique multi-function steamer oven. The first Combi was introduced in the US shortly after. The contract permitted the manufacture of these ovens by Blodgett, which commenced in 1992. When the agreement expired, Blodgett maintained worldwide manufacturing rights. By mid-1994, Blodgett was self sufficient in the manufacture of combinations ovens under the trade name of Blodgett-Combi.
	1986		Blodgett purchased MagiKitch'n Equipment Corporation and Quakertown Stove Works, Inc., affiliated companies located near Allentown, Pennsylvania. These companies have been producing high quality commercial broilers for over 50 years. This acquisition continues operating under the MagiKitchn brand name out of Pitco.
	1988		J.D. Johnson and Sam Hartwell lead a group of private investors to purchase Blodgett from the Patrick family.
	1995		Blodgett International was established as an operating unit of G.S. Blodgett Corporation with a goal to further enhance and expand its export business-an area where it already had over 40 years of experience.
	1997		Blodgett was purchased by Maytag Corporation.
	1998		Blodgett celebrates its 150th anniversary
	2001		Blodgett was purchased by the Middleby Corporation of Elgin, Illinois. At that time, Pitco and MagiKitch'n began to operate as their own entity and Blodgett International was blended into Middleby Worldwide.
	2003		The Blodgett Range line was added. The range line includes premium heavy duty ranges, broilers and refrigerated bases.
	2004		The Blodgett Steam line was added. The complete line of steam cooking equipment includes convection steamers, steam kettles and braising pans.