105 Years of American Ingenuity: The Legacy of Preferred Utilities
105 years of American engineering and manufacturing.
As others have taken American manufacturing overseas or across borders, Preferred made deliberate efforts to keep our manufacturing in the states, and even further, to source American. Part of this commitment was driven by global supply chain realities especially in the past 5 years, but much of it came down to principle. For us, it’s not just about profit; it’s about purpose.
Over the decades, Preferred has seen good times and hard times. But one thing has remained constant: a heritage of excellence, upheld by strong, values-driven leadership. Preferred is not only a family-owned and operated business—it’s a company of families. Generations of crew members have built their careers here, contributing to a shared mission.
Founded in 1920, Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corporation began as a fuel oil handling company, where we designed and patented equipment ranging from valves to oil heaters, and even seat warmers for Sherman tanks in World War II. We keep the sailboat in our logo because of our history of outfitting heavy ocean liners with fuel equipment during the war.
Building on that legacy, we’ve grown by creating and acquiring new technologies—allowing us to continuously deliver cutting-edge products:
- Instruments and controls systems
- SCADA and monitoring solutions
- Burner systems for a wide range of fuels
- Redundant mission-critical systems
- Nuclear outage equipment
- Emissions reduction and renewable fuel solutions
With 105 years of experience behind us, we’re still evolving, yet guided by the same principles that shaped our past.
A Look Back at the Stories That Shaped Us
In 2025, as we mark this milestone, we’re reflecting on some of the key stories that built Preferred’s identity—from early designs to leadership legacies that continue to inspire us today.
One such legacy belongs to Robert G. Bohn—a U.S. Navy veteran, Dartmouth graduate, and long-serving President, CEO, and Chairman. Bob joined Preferred in 1940 and returned after World War II to eventually lead the company for over 60 years. He managed our Boston and New York sales offices and became President in 1963. By 1978, Bob took over as CEO and Chairman. All the while, he was a driving force behind Preferred’s long-term success. He championed our engineering-first business model—establishing a foundation we stand on still today.
That legacy of ingenuity stretches back to 1929, just nine years after two Bohn brothers founded the company. Gerald Bohn, Robert’s father, introduced one of our earliest and most impactful inventions: the Anti-Syphon Valve. This small but crucial device was designed to prevent fires caused by oil suction piping leaks—an urgent safety issue at the time. The valve worked so well it became a required component in National Fire Codes and earned a lifetime-status patent. It set a new industry standard—and marked the beginning of a long tradition of engineering solutions that prioritize safety and performance.
In 1934, founder Gerald W. Bohn saw an opportunity in combustion technology and designed the Preferred Rotary Cup Burner—a game changing design that outperformed existing combustion technology. Originally built for heavy oils, the Rotary Cup has proven its longevity and versatility, with some units still operating in New York City boiler rooms 60–70 years later. Over time, Preferred engineers have adapted it to burn No. 2 oil, and now biofuels and biodiesel to meet aggressive sustainability goals in New York City and the Northeastern United States. Offering high efficiency, low excess air requirements, and broad fuel flexibility, this is burner for all generations.
Carrying the Wind of 105 Years Into the Future
As we look ahead, we remain committed to our founding values: innovation, quality, integrity, and service. We don’t just engineer and manufacture equipment, we provide solutions that empower customers across industries to work safer, cleaner, and more efficiently.
With the wind of one-hundred-and-five years in our sails, Preferred is charting a bold course toward the future. Through continued creativity, a dedication to American manufacturing, and the strength of our people, we’re ready for whatever challenges and opportunities lie ahead.