Westinghouse portable generators are made in China and Vietnam, and sold in the U.S. by Midwest Equipment Sales (MWE), a company based in Columbus, Ohio. MWE doesn’t own the Westinghouse name. It licenses it for outdoor power equipment from the company that owns the Westinghouse brand. So a Westinghouse generator isn’t built by the Westinghouse that’s famous for power plants; the name is licensed.
Who makes Westinghouse generators?
Westinghouse-branded generators, inverters, pressure washers and power stations come from Midwest Equipment Sales, also called MWE Investments. According to a 2024 announcement from WhiteHorse Capital, MWE got its license for Westinghouse outdoor power equipment in 2016 when it bought Westpro Power Systems, and it’s one of the brand’s top licensees. That same announcement says the Westinghouse brand owner, based in Pittsburgh, was arranging financing to buy MWE.
This is common in the generator world. Many brands design and sell generators under their name while factories in Asia build them. For a comparison with other brands, see which generators are made in the USA.
Where are Westinghouse generators made?
Westinghouse generators are built in China and Vietnam. U.S. government recall notices confirm this:
- In 2017, about 4,500 Westinghouse iGen2500 and iPro2500 inverter generators were recalled for an overheating and fire risk. The CPSC listed them as manufactured in China.
- In 2020, about 7,500 WGen5300DFv and iGen4500DF dual fuel generators made from October to December 2019 were recalled for fuel leaks. The CPSC listed them as manufactured in China and Vietnam.
If you own one of those models, check the recall pages for affected serial numbers.
What engine is in a Westinghouse generator?
Westinghouse generators use the company’s own Westinghouse-branded overhead valve (OHV) gas engines rather than name-brand engines like Honda or Briggs & Stratton. Each model’s spec sheet lists the engine size in cc.
Who sells Westinghouse generators?
You’ll find them at big home-improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, and at many online stores. Westinghouse also sells parts and accessories directly.
Are Westinghouse generators any good?
Westinghouse is a mid-priced brand, competing with Champion, DuroMax and Generac’s portables. Its inverter generators, like the iGen series, are popular with RV owners for being fairly quiet. Like other brands in this price range, it has had recalls, so register your generator and check the CPSC site now and then. If you’re comparing brands, see where DuroMax generators are made and who makes Generac engines.
Related guides: Who Makes Wen Generators, Who Makes FIRMAN Generators and Who Makes Champion Generators.
FAQ
Are Westinghouse generators made in the USA?
No. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio, but the generators are manufactured in China and Vietnam.
Are Westinghouse and Onan generators the same?
No. Onan generators are made by Cummins, mostly for RVs. Westinghouse generators are made for MWE under a license.
Is the Westinghouse generator brand the same as Westinghouse Electric?
Not really. The name goes back to George Westinghouse, but the Westinghouse name on generators is licensed. The nuclear power company Westinghouse Electric Company is a separate business.
Who makes the Westinghouse iGen4500?
It’s sold by MWE under the Westinghouse name. CPSC recall records list the iGen4500DF as manufactured in China and Vietnam.