With the development of the soldering gun in 1945, Carl Weller founded the Weller Electric Co. in Easton, Pennsylvania. He needed the means to service the fast-expanding radio repair industry. The first soldering iron was invented in 1950, followed by the first temperature-controlled soldering iron in 1976. In 1959, Weller moved into Europe. Weller has always created forward-thinking products for the consumer and industrial sectors throughout its existence. The seven-person R&D team with several patents and honors demonstrates Weller's dedication to technology. In 2007 the training facility of Weller University in Apex, NC was founded. Over 100 individuals have trained annually.