As The Wilkinson Companies celebrates 75 years in business, we're taking the opportunity to recognize some of the manufacturer partnerships that have played an important role in our history. In the final installment of our 75th Anniversary Partner Series, we're highlighting Power Flame, a trusted partner whose own history has evolved alongside ours for decades.
Two Companies with Roots in 1951
There's a unique connection between the histories of Wilkinson and Power Flame: both trace an important beginning to 1951.
That year, George T. Wilkinson founded what would become The Wilkinson Companies. At the same time, the Power Flame brand was launched with the introduction of its first high-efficiency gas burner.
Over the next 75 years, both companies would experience tremendous changes in the boiler and combustion industry. Technology advanced, efficiency and emissions became increasingly important, and control systems transformed the way boiler plants operate. Through it all, both organizations continued to adapt while remaining focused on providing reliable solutions and strong customer support.
A Partnership That Began in 2007
In 2007, GTW, Inc. became a Power Flame representative, beginning a relationship that has now spanned nearly two decades. Today, Wilkinson represents Power Flame throughout Eastern Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine.
Over the years, Power Flame burners have become an important part of the solutions Wilkinson provides to commercial and industrial customers throughout the region. From new boiler installations to burner upgrades and retrofit projects, our teams have worked together to help customers improve the reliability, efficiency and performance of their boiler plants.
"Power Flame plays a significant role in GTW's everyday work lives. Our customers depend on Power Flame to deliver top quality burners and parts. The key word there is 'deliver' and they always come through. It's not just about the Power Flame burners but also the relationships that have run deep for many years. We are a far better organization as a manufacturer's representative of Power Flame."
- Geoff Wilkinson, JR., President
Combining Equipment, Controls and Expertise
One of the strengths of the Wilkinson-Power Flame relationship has been the ability to pair proven burner technology with advanced combustion controls and the field experience of Wilkinson's service and installation teams.
Wilkinson has installed Power Flame burners on a wide variety of firetube and watertube boiler applications, often incorporating Autoflame linkageless combustion management technology. Together, these technologies can provide greater control over the combustion process while helping facilities improve efficiency, reliability and emissions performance.
That connection is particularly fitting as we conclude our 75th Anniversary Partner Series. Autoflame, Limpsfield and Power Flame each have their own unique relationship with Wilkinson, but all three have contributed to our ability to bring innovative combustion solutions to our customers.
Continuing to Evolve
Just as the industry has changed significantly since 1951, Power Flame has continued to evolve its burner technology.
Over the years, the company has expanded its low-NOx offerings, introduced new burner and control technologies, and explored emerging fuel options. In 2023, Power Flame received UL verification for hydrogen-blended natural gas fuel trains and burners—another example of how the company continues to prepare for changes within the combustion industry.
Power Flame also continues to invest in education and hands-on technical training at its Parsons, Kansas facility. Current courses range from combustion fundamentals and troubleshooting to CMAX burner training and controls and parallel positioning systems,.
For Wilkinson, having manufacturer partners that continue to invest in technology, training and the people behind the equipment is an important part of providing our customers with the highest level of service.
Looking Ahead
Seventy-five years is an opportunity to look back, but it's also an opportunity to look forward.
From two companies whose stories both took shape in 1951 to a partnership that has continued for nearly two decades, Wilkinson and Power Flame share a long history in an industry that never stops evolving.
As we close out our 75th Anniversary Partner Series, we're grateful for Power Flame's partnership and for the people who have helped build and strengthen the relationship over the years. We look forward to continuing to work together, embracing new technology and providing reliable combustion solutions to our customers for many years to come.