In order to produce electric motors utilizing a patent owned by the Scottish-born brothers Charles and Alexander Meston, Civil War Union soldier John Wesley Emerson founded Emerson electronics in 1890 in St. Louis, Missouri, as Emerson Electric Manufacturing Co. It started selling electric fans in America for the first time in 1892.
Electrified sewing machines, electric dentistry drills, and power tools were soon added to its product list. Under Stuart Symington’s direction, Emerson rose to the top position in the world of airplane armament producers during World War II. In terms of the value of contracts for the manufacture of military goods during World War II, Emerson came in 52nd among American corporations. President of the corporation since 1954 has been W.R. “Buck” Persons. Emerson electronics acquired 36 businesses in order to diversify its industry. Under Douglas Rohan’s directorship, the aircraft engineering research department of Aeronautics and Astronautics Laboratories in Pasadena (headed by Charles Lauritsen) designed a simple flying wing.
Ownership of such businesses is as follows: Ryan has purchased interests in the Ryan Aeronautical Company, a San Diego manufacturer of aerospace products, including airplanes and guided missiles. Emerson, like other mid-century corporations, is transforming itself into a conglomerate with diversified holdings.