Acme Controls, Distributor of HVAC/R parts & Boiler controls Since 1941. In 1941 when its founder, Walter L. Huening, identified a pressing need for quality repair services for the heating service trade. Acme was a custom repair shop located in a residential garage, strictly serving the Chicago area. Service professionals typically brought in failed controls and Acme technicians would repair that same control. This "repair and return"​ methodology often resulted in 2-3 days of customer downtime and remains the prevalent technique for most repair shops today. Under the leadership of Walter's son, Robert C. Huening, Acme expanded into the industrial markets during the 1960s and the 1970s. This expansion coincided with changes in the boiler and burner control industry that saw Fireye Corporation and its 26RJ8 series of controls become a major player in large-scale boiler markets. At the same time, the industry leader, Honeywell, introduced new technology under the R4140 series banner. During this time period, Acme restricted its efforts to the service trade, but that was soon to change. As the third generation of Huenings took control during the early 1980s, Acme once again expanded its focus and introduced a new time-saving program called Advanced Exchange Service. The expansion was aimed at the end-user markets, reversing 40 years of dedication solely to the service trade. This bold step was the result of research that indicated that a large number of fully-trained boiler professionals employed at major institutions (schools, hospitals, manufacturers, building managers, etc.) would benefit from the Advanced Exchange Service. Now, Acme was able to solve the most time-critical problems for both the service trade and boiler operators and owners in heat-intensive industries. Over the years Acme has teamed up with industry leaders to provide Factory Authorized repair services under contractual agreement with AERCO, McQuay International, Johnson Controls and Toshiba.