Our History

The Beginnings
The Beginnings

In 1927, John and Gerhard Albers from Cherokee, Iowa, developed a wind generator called “The Wincharger” to charge a six-volt storage battery which was used to power radios. At that time, the radio was as important to people as the internet and television are important to us today. The Albers brothers were soon building Winchargers for their neighbors and friends.

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Gerhard, John and father Barney (from left to right) working at their shop in Cherokee, Iowa. -Approximately 1936

The Transition
The Transition

In 1935, Wincharger was incorporated and manufacturing was moved to Sioux City, Iowa. Zenith Corporation purchased a controlling interest in Wincharger in late 1935. Purchasers of Zenith radios were able to buy a six-volt Wincharger for $10.
Wincharger received five Army-Navy “E” awards for excellence as a quality supplier during WWII.

In 1935, Wincharger was incorporated and manufacturing was moved to Sioux City, Iowa. Zenith Corporation purchased a controlling interest in Wincharger in late 1935. Purchasers of Zenith radios were able to buy a six-volt Wincharger for $10.
Wincharger received five Army-Navy “E” awards for excellence as a quality supplier during WWII.

In 1935, Wincharger was incorporated and manufacturing was moved to Sioux City, Iowa. Zenith Corporation purchased a controlling interest in Wincharger in late 1935. Purchasers of Zenith radios were able to buy a six-volt Wincharger for $10.
Wincharger played an important role in World War II by developing the Dynamotor which was used in military aircraft and ships. The company received five Army-Navy “E” awards for excellence as a quality supplier.

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The improved Wincharger on display. -1938.

The Transition
The Transition

In 1935, Wincharger was incorporated and manufacturing was moved to Sioux City, Iowa. Zenith Corporation purchased a controlling interest in Wincharger in late 1935. Purchasers of Zenith radios were able to buy a six-volt Wincharger for $10.
Wincharger received five Army-Navy “E” awards for excellence as a quality supplier during WWII.

In 1935, Wincharger was incorporated and manufacturing was moved to Sioux City, Iowa. Zenith Corporation purchased a controlling interest in Wincharger in late 1935. Purchasers of Zenith radios were able to buy a six-volt Wincharger for $10.
Wincharger received five Army-Navy “E” awards for excellence as a quality supplier during WWII.

In 1935, Wincharger was incorporated and manufacturing was moved to Sioux City, Iowa. Zenith Corporation purchased a controlling interest in Wincharger in late 1935. Purchasers of Zenith radios were able to buy a six-volt Wincharger for $10.
Wincharger played an important role in World War II by developing the Dynamotor which was used in military aircraft and ships. The company received five Army-Navy “E” awards for excellence as a quality supplier.

Image is not available

The improved Wincharger on display. -1938.

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