The Beginning

Champion Industries traces its roots back to 1890 in Hoboken, New Jersey, where it was initially founded as Thompson & Low. In 1916, Pat Davis, Sr. became a part-owner and renamed the company Hamilton-Low. During this era, Hamilton-Low invented the vortex downwash dish machine, the first machine capable of washing, rinsing, and drying 6,000 pieces per hour—quietly and efficiently.

Built Like a Battleship

That same year, Hamilton-Low shipped its first Champion dishwasher to an ocean liner crossing the Atlantic. The company’s original factory was located on the site where the Chrysler Building now stands in New York City. Champion earned the tagline “Built Like a Battleship” because of its machines’ durability, strength, and heavy-duty construction—a tradition that continues to this day.

Constant Motion

In 1931, the company relocated to Erie, Pennsylvania. By 1952, Pat Davis, Sr., retired, passing a 25% stake each to his sons, Pat Davis, Jr., and Robert A. Davis, while retaining 50% ownership. In 1962, Robert Davis decided to sell his stake. One of his salesmen, Gordon Apgar, purchased 25% of the company on the condition that it would relocate to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he lived.

The company moved south and built its original Winston-Salem facility for $406,000. Champion continued to supply commercial warewashers to hospitals, restaurants, and hotels, including the Waldorf Astoria, then regarded as New York City’s finest hotel.

Following Pat Davis, Sr.’s passing in 1967, Pat Jr. inherited his father’s stake. That same year, Pat Jr. and Gordon Apgar sold Champion to American Sterilizer (AMSCO), a company in Erie, Pennsylvania. AMSCO leveraged Champion’s expertise to develop hospital utensil sanitizers. Champion remained under AMSCO’s ownership until 1980, when Luciano Berti acquired the company.

Luciano Berti Era

Under Mr. Berti’s leadership, Champion underwent significant infrastructure upgrades and expanded its product line. The company became a market leader in innovations such as built-in hot water boosters, energy- and water-saving technologies, fully integrated conveying and washing systems, and single-source gas heating systems. Champion also strengthened its commitment to after-sales support, ensuring machines continue to operate at peak performance for years.

Champion further expanded its offerings with the Bi-Line series, stainless steel foodservice conveyors designed to efficiently transport a wide variety of trays and products.

The Dishwashing Machine Specialists

Today, Champion remains headquartered in Winston-Salem and operates as part of the Welbilt, Inc., giving it a truly global reach. With over 130 years of continuous innovation, Champion continues to manufacture commercial dishwashing equipment for customers across the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Champion’s enduring legacy of innovation, reliability, and excellence has solidified its reputation as the Dishwashing Machine Specialists, trusted by the foodservice industry worldwide.