Welcome to Battle Creek Equipment Company! For over 90 years, we've been a cornerstone in the world of pain relief and wellness, rooted deeply in the history of Battle Creek, Michigan, the “Health City.”
Our Historical Roots
Our journey began in 1931, but our origins trace back to the renowned Battle Creek Sanitarium, a groundbreaking health retreat founded in 1866. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, the San became a global symbol of health and wellness. Its focus on exercise, hygiene, nutrition, and innovative therapies attracted high-profile guests like President Taft and Amelia Earhart.
As the Sanitarium thrived, Wendell Doty, a young engineer, developed new exercise equipment there in the 1920s. However, the stock market crash of 1929 and a devastating fire in 1902 led to financial struggles for the San. By the early 1930s, the San was in receivership, and Doty saw an opportunity. He bought and sold equipment from the San, leading to the founding of Battle Creek Equipment Company with a partner.
The Middle Years
The company faced challenges during the Great Depression but innovated with products like the Thermophore® Moist Heating Pad and the Battle Creek BedWarmer™. During World War II, we pivoted to support the war effort by manufacturing fire extinguisher parts. Post-war, our Thermophore® pads gained acclaim for pain management, used extensively by veterans in recovery.
The 1950s and 1960s saw us at the forefront of exercise equipment innovation. We introduced treadmills and exercise bikes to the U.S. market, while the 1970s and 1980s marked a shift toward focusing on pain management products, with Thermophore® leading the way. Wendell’s son, John Doty, took the helm in the mid-1970s, and under his leadership, the company expanded with a new manufacturing plant in Fremont, Indiana.
Battle Creek in the 21st Century
Today, Battle Creek Equipment Company, now run by Wendell’s grandson David Underhill, stands as a testament to our rich history and enduring commitment to quality. While adapting to a global market, we continue to manufacture many of our products in the U.S., including the iconic Thermophore® line. We pride ourselves on offering both American-made and globally-sourced products, ensuring high standards and affordability.
Explore our legacy and discover how Battle Creek Equipment Company has been dedicated to your health and wellness for over nine decades. Join us in continuing this tradition of excellence and innovation.
