Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Money & Work • Manufacturing

Westinghouse

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

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Westinghouse is a historic American brand founded in 1886 by George Westinghouse. Today, the name is used by multiple separate companies, most notably Westinghouse Electric Company in nuclear power.

What it is

The Westinghouse name began with George Westinghouse's electrical company founded in Pittsburgh in 1886. Today, it is not a single company but a brand used by several separate businesses, including Westinghouse Electric Company in nuclear power.

Why it matters

Westinghouse was a major force in the adoption of alternating-current power systems. Its Canadian manufacturing presence in Hamilton, Ontario, made it part of Canadian industrial history.

Key details

The original company was restructured in the 1990s. The Westinghouse brand is now licensed for consumer appliances and electronics. Westinghouse Electric Company focuses on nuclear services.

In short

  • Founded by George Westinghouse in 1886.
  • Pioneered alternating-current power systems.
  • Now a brand used by multiple companies, notably Westinghouse Electric Company in nuclear power.
  • Licensed for consumer products and had a major plant in Hamilton, Ontario.
Canadian angle

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.

Quick 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.

Sources

  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.