How We Started:
John E. Lydle Sr.
Founded in 1942 in Akron, Ohio by John E. Lydle, Thermo-Rite Manufacturing originated the tempered glass fireplace enclosure, and held the first United States Patent for them until 1968.
For over 80 years our products have set the standard for the industry we created. Styles have changed as well as materials and manufacturing techniques, but our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has never wavered. We now offer 7 models for Masonry fireplaces and 5 for Zero Clearance enclosures, a look to fit and beautify any home (Gallery Page). If our standard doors are not exactly what you are looking for, our team of custom craftsmen and women can build you whatever you need (Gallery).
Why Akron, Ohio?
Besides the fact that Lebron James, Chrissy Hynde of the Pretenders, The Black Keys, James Ingrahm, DEVO, Judy Resnick and a host of other amazing and famous people are also Akronites, we are here because this is our home and we have no plans to change that. We are proud of our industrial past and our role in shaping a small part of our hometown’s history. We have had some of the best employees/partners over the years with skills and commitment that have made us a better company by helping make a better fireplace door.
Thermo-Rite Architectural Rendering from 1956
Original offices in the new building circa 1968
Where We Are Headed...
Thermo-Rite Mfg. today
The short answer is, to the future! We have a lot of amazing history. We are proud of it all, but we cannot afford to spend a lot of time looking backward. We have re-imagined and re-engineered our product many times since 1942 and we are doing so right now! New materials, new designs, more modularity for better scalability, new finishes and new ways to approach our manufacturing are being adapted all the time. It is not likely John Lydle would recognize the techniques we are using today, but we are certain he would approve of the product, the quality and now the new experience of Thermo-Rite in 2024 - more than 80 years after the first door rolled off of our assembly line. We invite you to join us as we move into the future. You won’t be disappointed - we guarantee it!