Despatch Industries is beginning 2002 with a celebration of its centennial. Despatch was founded in 1902 by Albert E. Grapp, whose first product was a heating system for Minneapolis' emerging streetcar system. Grapp's ability to design and manufacture quality heating products caught the eye of Pillsbury's four milling operations, which asked him to develop electric ovens to test flour. "Despatch's founders believed they could design anything, make anything or solve any problem," said Patrick Peyton, CEO. "That spirit is alive and well today as we continue to innovate to meet the needs of our customers."

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