TESCO Corporate History

TESCO (The Eastern Specialty Company) was founded in 1904 and was a leader in the development of products and instruments for the electric distribution and metering industry throughout the 20th Century. A majority of utilities involved in the distribution of electricity during the 20th Century have used TESCO products. After many years of declining influence TESCO has been acquired by Advent Design, itself a 20 year veteran in electric metering. Advent Design is committed to reestablishing TESCO’s major presence in the electric distribution and metering industry as we move forward into the 21st Century. Advent Design is reintroducing TESCO’s product line and is supporting all TESCO products still being used in the shop or field. We are also introducing new products to add to the breadth of the TESCO product line. TESCO's product line includes a Phase Sequence Indicator, CT Field Test Set, Meter Test Switch, Artificial Loads and Burdens, Meter Warm-up Board, Meter Cleaning System, Service Ground Test Set, Transformer Polarity Checker, Accessories and Industrial Flashlights.

Advent Design was founded in 1984 and has designed and implemented automated meter cleaning systems, automated meter test stations, and automated material handling systems. Advent Design has also developed a variety of instruments to meet unique utility field and shop requirements. During the early 1990’s Advent Design pioneered the development of innovative statistical testing programs for both electric and gas utilities. Advent Design has worked with numerous public utility commissions to help write new meter testing regulations. This broad range of engineering expertise and background is now being brought to bear on the TESCO product line of meter test instruments and tools.

TESCO was started by a utility veteran 100+ years ago and has never forgotten those roots. TESCO in the 21st century will continue to build on this foundation. The Eastern Specialty Company was issued the first patent for a Meter Test Switch. After providing what was considered an industry standard for nearly 75 years, TESCO sold off that product line as the company floundered just prior to the turn of the century. In 2004 we proudly re-introduced the test switch line, which serves as the foundation of many TESCO products. In order to provide the best resources to go forward, Advent Design's product development team is combing through old product literature and speaking with TESCO instrument users at utilities all over the country. Later this year Advent Design plans to reintroduce Load Boxes and a low cost Meter Warm-up Board that handles multiple meter forms in one compact unit. The TESCO tradition of innovation, experience, and expertise in the electric utility industry is alive and well at Advent Design. We hope you will join us as we move forward together into our second century of service.