Minuteman International Company was started by Ashok Hingorany and Naraian Bhatia in 1977 at the peak of the oil embargo, just when wood stoves were becoming an alternate source of heating. They started out by supplying basic necessities like steamers, kettles and fireplace gloves. Since then, Minuteman International has expanded into a complete accessories supplier to specialty stores that sell fireplace items & wood stoves. Every year, Minuteman International continues to add different product categories to its line, while publishing a new catalog for its wholesale customers. Minuteman International is the parent company of ACHLA Designs which caters to the home and garden industry.