In 1975, Duncan Syme had an idea that could help his neighbors keep their homes warm in the face of rising energy costs. Murray Howell, the consummate businessman, knew the opportunity was ripe for a venture. So, in a drafty woodshed in rural Vermont, they built the first Vermont Castings wood-burning stove, the aptly named and soon-to-be iconic Defiant.
Vermont Castings quickly became a household name. The homegrown innovation, American-made appeal, and the promise of quality and craftsmanship above all else quickly established Vermont Castings as the wood stove brand. So devout were the loyalists that thousands flocked to the annual owner’s outings to take part in festivities and workshops. Syme and Howell not only created a brand, they built a following...they built a family.
Vermont Castings moved to a new home in Randolph, Vermont in 1979. This modern foundry brought together workers and artisans from every step of the production process. Together they crafted the stoves with the utmost attention to detail. The end result is the stoves Vermont Castings is known for today, with a furniture-quality finish and an aesthetic that stands the test of time.
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