DESA was formed in 1969 by Robert H. Elman, three other individuals, and a Venture Capital Group for the purpose of acquiring the Remington Arms' chainsaw and powdered actuated tool business located in Chicago, Illinois. In 1975, AMCA International, LTD. acquired DESA. AMCA acquired the Koehring Corporation in 1981, which included a Portable Outdoor Kerosene Forced Air Heater Operation located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. In 1982, DESA's electric chainsaw and powder actuated tool line was moved from Chicago to Bowling Green, Kentucky and merged with the Forced Air Heater business forming the Consumer Products Division. The division entered into the indoor room heating market in 1982 with the importation of Infrared Plaque Heaters from England for the liquid propane distributor and natural gas utility channels of distribution. To expand in the outdoor market, the company introduced Portable Outdoor Propane Forced Air Heaters in 1983.
