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Westinghouse

Westinghouse is a historic American brand and corporate name associated with George Westinghouse’s electrical and manufacturing businesses founded in 1886 in Pittsburgh.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Westinghouse is a historic American brand and corporate name associated with George Westinghouse’s electrical and manufacturing businesses founded in 1886 in Pittsburgh. The name now refers to several separate companies and licensees, most notably Westinghouse Electric Company in nuclear power and other Westinghouse-branded consumer products and industrial businesses.

History

The Westinghouse name began with George Westinghouse’s electrical business founded in Pittsburgh in 1886. The original company grew into a major manufacturer of electrical equipment and later underwent major restructuring and divestiture in the 20th century.

Industrial role

Westinghouse was an important force in the adoption of alternating current power systems and related electrical infrastructure. Its products included turbines, generators, motors, switchgear, and railway equipment.

Modern Westinghouse companies

Today, the Westinghouse name is used by separate companies rather than a single unified industrial conglomerate. Westinghouse Electric Company is the best-known successor brand in the nuclear sector.

Brand and licensing

The Westinghouse brand continues to appear on consumer appliances, electronics, and other products through licensing arrangements. These businesses are distinct from the original 19th-century corporation.

Key facts

  • The original Westinghouse Electric Company was founded by George Westinghouse in 1886 and became a major developer of alternating-current power systems in the United States.
  • The original company was later reorganized and divided through mergers and divestitures in the 1990s.
  • Westinghouse Electric Company today focuses on nuclear power-related services and technology.
  • The Westinghouse name is also licensed to other businesses, including consumer electronics and appliances.
  • Hamilton, Ontario was one of the original company’s major manufacturing locations.
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Canadian context

Hamilton, Ontario was one of the original Westinghouse company’s major manufacturing locations, making the brand part of Canadian industrial history as well as American history.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded Westinghouse?
George Westinghouse founded the original Westinghouse Electric Company in 1886.
What did the original Westinghouse make?
It made electrical equipment such as turbines, generators, motors, switchgear, and related AC power infrastructure.
Is Westinghouse still one company?
No. The name is now used by multiple separate companies and licensees.
What is Westinghouse Electric Company today?
It is a nuclear power company that carries the Westinghouse name but is separate from the original diversified industrial corporation.
Why is Westinghouse historically important?
It was a major early force in the development and commercialization of alternating-current electrical systems in the United States.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westinghouse_Electric_Corporation
    Supports: Founding date, original location, and industrial focus of the original company.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/money/Westinghouse-Electric-Corporation
    Supports: Founding by George Westinghouse and role as a major American electrical equipment manufacturer.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westinghouse_Electric_Company
    Supports: Modern Westinghouse Electric Company history, headquarters, and nuclear focus.
  4. Library of Congress — https://www.loc.gov/collections/films-of-westinghouse-works-1904/articles-and-essays/the-westinghouse-world/the-westinghouse-electric-and-manufacturing-company
    Supports: Original company production, workforce, and role in AC electrical infrastructure.
  5. Westinghouse — https://westinghouse.com/pages/about
    Supports: Current brand positioning and description of modern business activities.
  6. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westinghouse
    Supports: List of current companies using the Westinghouse name and brand licensing context.