Despatch, an industrial oven manufacturer based in Minneapolis, is celebrating 120 years in business. The anniversary coincides with another significant milestone: the sale of 200,000 units. Over the past 120 years, Despatch has evolved from selling streetcar heaters and bread baking ovens into a supplier of ovens used in electronics, semiconductor and medical device manufacturing.

Despatch was acquired by Illinois Tool Works in 2011 and was integrated with Speedline Technologies and Vitronics Soltec to become ITW EAE. According to the company, the combined knowledge and experience of the ITW EAE group drives further innovation and technology development. Despatch moves products to market faster using ITW manufacturing practices, it was noted.