When a hospital, university, or manufacturing plant needs to repair or replace its permanent steam system, they can’t simply shut down and wait.
That’s why mobile boilers exist. They keep operations running, protect productivity, and ensure critical environments stay safe, warm, and functional. But the idea of portable steam power has a surprisingly long history — and Wilkinson has played a major role in bringing modern mobile solutions to New England.
Steam on the Move — The Origin Story
The first “mobile boilers” weren’t called mobile boilers at all.
In the early 1800s, steam locomotives used boilers mounted on wheels. These systems:
- Generated power wherever needed
- Operated away from utilities
- Proved steam could travel
It was the first time portable steam made sense.
Field Power and Emergency Use
Fast-forward to the 1900s, when portable steam was used in military field operations for heating, sterilization, sanitation, and meal preparation.
This was the moment when steam supported mission-critical continuity, even without infrastructure.
It’s the same principle behind today’s mobile boiler’s.
Why Mobile Boilers Matter
Today’s temporary boiler plants aren’t quick-fix patches — they are engineered infrastructure solutions.
They allow facilities to:
- Remain operational during upgrades
- Avoid costly shutdowns
- Maintain heating and domestic hot water
- Meet seasonal load demands
- Protect equipment and schedules
Mobile boilers solve problems before they become emergencies.
Where Wilkinson Fits In
Wilkinson Companies was founded in 1951, long before temporary steam became mainstream but as facilities evolved and uptime became critical, Wilkinson saw the need—and acted.
In the late 1980s, Wilkinson launched Wilkinson Mobile Boilers, Inc. to provide:
· High- and low-pressure mobile steam plants
- Precision combustion tuning
- On-site tie-ins and commissioning
- 24/7 emergency deployment
- Support for campuses, manufacturing, healthcare, food & beverage, and municipal facilities
For many customers, mobile systems are no longer “rentals.”
They’re strategic assets that keep their operations online.
They’re strategic assets that keep their operations online.
Mobile Boilers + Modern Technology
We’ve helped evolve mobile systems from basic heat to high-performance infrastructure, including:
- Autoflame Combustion Management System
- Low-emissions burners and tuning
- Remote monitoring and trending
- Reliable, efficient steam delivery
It’s portable heat with permanent and reliable performance.
Looking Ahead
As Wilkinson celebrates 75 years of service, one thing hasn’t changed:
We deliver heat wherever and whenever our customers need it — reliably, safely, and efficiently.
From railroads to industrial campuses, the concept of portable steam continues to evolve.
And Wilkinson will continue evolving with it.
And Wilkinson will continue evolving with it.
Interested in learning how mobile boilers could support your facility?
We’re always here to help you plan ahead.
