Emeco (Electric Machine and Equipment Company) is an American furniture manufacturer headquartered in Hanover, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1944 by Wilton C. Dinges, the company is primarily recognized for its industrial-grade seating, specifically products made from recycled aluminum.
The company's most notable product is the 1006 Navy Chair, which was commissioned by the United States government during World War II for use on Navy submarines and warships. The chair was engineered to be lightweight, non-corrosive, and capable of withstanding extreme conditions. It is produced through a proprietary 77-step manufacturing process that includes welding, tempering, and anodizing, resulting in a high strength-to-weight ratio.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Emeco transitioned from primarily industrial and government contracting to the designer furniture market. This shift involved collaborations with prominent architects and designers, such as Philippe Starck, Norman Foster, and Frank Gehry. During this period, the company expanded its catalog to include furniture made from other materials, such as recycled plastics and sustainably sourced wood, while maintaining a focus on longevity and environmental sustainability. Emeco products are held in the permanent collections of several institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.
