BernzOmatic

History

1876–Present

Bernzomatic is an American manufacturing company. It was founded by Otto Bernz (May 21, 1856 – February 17, 1932) in 1876[1][2] in Newark, New Jersey as Otto Bernz Co..[2] The company manufactures handheld torches and accessories, especially gas burner torches using fuel cylinders containing butane, propane, MAPP gas, and oxygen for soldering, brazing, and welding. Its trademark torch packs include Basic Use, Multi-Application, and Specialty. Its products include torches, fuel cylinders, kits, solders and accessories, and utility lighters.

In the 1940s Otto Bernz Co. relocated to Rochester, New York and changed its name to Bernzomatic.[2] In 1982, Bernzomatic became a division of Newell (now Newell Rubbermaid).[3]

On July 1, 2011, Worthington Cylinders division of Worthington Industries purchased Bernzomatic for $51million.[4]

In 2014, Bernzomatic's manufacturing facility in Medina, New York was consolidated with a location in Chilton, Wisconsin.[5]

Bernzomatic, now a Worthington entity, continues to manufacture handheld propane and propylene ("Map-pro") cylinders found at big-box and hardware stores.

Consumer Product Safety Commission Recall

A report addressing various defects with the Bernzomatic torch products was published in February 2019: United Testing Services Study On February 23, 2012 all fuel cylinders containing MAP/Pro (propylene) and MAPP gas were recalled. Cylinders containing propane fuel were omitted from the recall but under review due to several injuries, including a fatality. On February 14, 2019 a study was released identifying several alleged defects with all of the cylinders, regardless of fuel content.[6][7]

The report alleges design and manufacturing defects at the neck of the cylinders and with certain torch attachments, leading to breach of certain cylinders and severe burn injuries. In some instances severe injuries, including a fatality, were noted due to explosions attributed to failure of a pressure relief valve.

Marketing

With the slogan "Find Your Fire", Bernzomatic touts the empowerment and satisfaction of doing a project yourself. They believe in carrying the torch ignited by Otto Bernz in 1876—whose quality craftsmanship and progressive mindset is what blazed the trail for their line of quality products.

Previously known for their use application primarily in the professional trades, they have gained popularity within multiple segments including makers, home DIY, outdoor and culinary use. [8][9][10][11]

In 2020, seven-time Pro Bowler Nick Mangold promoted Bernzomatic torch products, which is making a foray into the world of grilling.[12]

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References
  1. American Stock Exchange Investor. p. 12. Retrieved 2008-11-10.
  2. "Carrying the Torch". BernzOmatic. Retrieved October 17, 2016.
  3. "Boring Portfolio Report". The Motley Fool. December 29, 1997. Retrieved 2008-11-10.
  4. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-07-08. Retrieved 2011-07-05.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. "Gas Cylinders Recalled by Worthington Cylinders Wisconsin Due to Fire Hazard". U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. 2016-05-19. Retrieved 2019-02-17.
  7. "UTS Study - CPSC". Google Docs. February 18, 2019. Retrieved 2019-02-17.
  8. Makers
  9. home DIY
  10. outdoors
  11. culinary applications
  12. "Nick Mangold talks Jets, Bernzomatic torches and life after football". FanSided. 2020-01-29. Retrieved 2020-02-06.
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