The first Westinghouse manufacturing operation outside of the United States was established in Hamilton, Ontario in 1897 on "Sanford Avenue", one year after "The Dominion Power and Transmission Company" was formed in Hamilton. This marked a new industrial era for Hamilton. It was then incorporated in 1903, (1903–1997). Company founder George Westinghouse set up a factory to build air brakes for the booming rail industry. Eventually the company was producing from its Hamilton plants electric ranges, refrigerators and washing machines. During each of the wars it was also producing guns, ammunition, anti-radar devices and bomb sights. At its peak in 1955, Westinghouse employed 11,000 people in Hamilton. (second only to Stelco) "Westinghouse" in Hamilton was the first company in Canada to manufacture radios (1923) and electric air cleaners (1944).