In 1876, Otto Bernz founded the Otto Bernz Co. in Newark, NJ to sell plumbers' tools, furnaces and torches. Gasoline torches with the "Always Reliable" brand also began to appear.In the 1940s, the name changed to BernzOmatic, and the company relocated to Rochester, NY.In the 1950s, the first propane torch and fuel cylinder were developed. The use for the propane fuel cylinder was expanded to include leisure time products, cookstoves, lanterns and portable heaters.In the 1960-70s, product line expansions included fire extinguishers, charcoal fire starters, heat and smoke detectors, Bernz cutters, tire inflators, refrigerators, charcoal grills, insect foggers and hand tools including wrenches, pliers, drivers, socket sets and adjustable wrenches. BernzOmatic purchased the Birds-Eye plant in Medina, NY in 1969. A new 128,000 square foot manufacturing addition was added to the Medina plant in 1973. All manufacturing and offices were relocated to Medina, NY between 1976 and 1979.In 1982, BernzOmatic became a Division of Newell Co. and began to regain its prominence as a profitable and highly respected brand name manufacturer concentrating on hand torches.Today, BernzOmatic is a worldwide marketer and manufacturer of a full name brand, hand held torches and accessories.
