Schwank is one of the most established names in commercial and industrial infrared heating in the world — and their product line is now available at DirectIndustrial.ca, priced fairly and shipped across Canada.
Here's what you need to know about Schwank, why they're specified by engineers and facility managers across North America, and what we currently carry.
Who Is Schwank?
Schwank is a global, family-owned manufacturer headquartered in Cologne, Germany, with a North American presence going back to 1974 — including manufacturing operations established in Canada. The company was founded in 1933 by Günther Schwank, who in 1939 received the patent for the world's first gas infrared radiator. That head start in infrared technology has compounded over nine decades into one of the most comprehensive and proven heating lineups in the commercial and industrial market.
Today, Schwank serves warehouses, manufacturing facilities, agricultural buildings, sports complexes, restaurants, hotels, and large commercial spaces across North America and globally. Their products are specified by engineers and facility managers who need reliable, efficient heating in demanding environments — and who can't afford callbacks or replacements.
North American roots since 1974. Schwank established Canadian manufacturing operations in Toronto in 1974, making them one of the few global heating brands with genuine North American production history — not just a sales office.
The Technology: Why Infrared?
Schwank's product line is built around infrared radiant heating — both gas-fired and electric. The principle is the same across their lineup: heat is transferred directly to people, floors, equipment, and surfaces rather than heating the air volume of a space.
In commercial and industrial environments, this matters for two reasons:
- Efficiency in high-ceiling spaces — warehouses, distribution centres, and manufacturing facilities with 20–50 ft ceilings lose enormous amounts of heat through the roof when using forced-air systems. Infrared eliminates that waste by targeting the occupied zone directly.
- Performance in high air-exchange environments — loading docks, facilities with frequent door openings, and open or semi-open commercial spaces bleed warm air constantly. Infrared heat is not diminished by air movement — it continues to warm occupants regardless.
The result, compared to conventional forced-air heating, is meaningful energy savings in real-world commercial conditions — Schwank's gas infrared systems are documented to deliver significant efficiency improvements over forced-air alternatives in the applications they're designed for.
What We Carry at DirectIndustrial.ca
We currently carry Schwank's core heating and fan lines, with additional collections being added as our catalogue grows.
Schwank's gas-fired infrared lineup — including radiant tube heaters and high-intensity systems — engineered for warehouses, manufacturing facilities, agricultural buildings, and large commercial spaces. Ceiling heights from 8 ft to 50+ ft. Available in single-stage, two-stage, and fully modulating configurations.
Shop Gas Infrared HeatersSchwank's electric infrared range covers commercial patio and outdoor heating for restaurants, hotel terraces, transit areas, and hospitality venues — as well as indoor commercial applications. Shortwave electric infrared delivers instant, directional heat unaffected by wind or open-air conditions.
Shop Electric Infrared HeatersSchwank's high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) MonsterFans are designed for destratification in large commercial and industrial spaces. By circulating warm air trapped at ceiling level back down to the occupied zone, they reduce heating load and improve comfort — without the noise or turbulence of high-speed alternatives.
Shop Ceiling FansGenuine Schwank replacement parts to keep your heating systems running at full performance. Commercial equipment is built to be serviced — not replaced. Having the right parts available means less downtime and longer system life.
Shop PartsAdditional Schwank collections are being added to our catalogue. Contact us if you need help finding a product.
Where Schwank Systems Are Typically Specified
Schwank's commercial and industrial lineup covers a wide range of project types. Common applications include:
- Warehouses, distribution centres, and logistics facilities
- Manufacturing plants and industrial facilities
- Agricultural buildings — barns, greenhouses, livestock facilities
- Automotive dealerships and service centres
- Sports complexes and arenas
- Restaurant patios, hotel terraces, and hospitality outdoor areas
- Transit stations, airport terminals, and covered public spaces
- Loading docks and facilities with high air exchange rates
Gas vs. Electric: Choosing the Right Schwank System
Schwank offers both gas-fired and electric infrared heating, and the right choice depends on the project:
- Gas infrared (tube heaters) — best suited for large industrial and commercial spaces with high ceilings, where gas service is available and heating loads are substantial. Lower operating cost per BTU in most Canadian commercial contexts.
- Electric infrared — ideal for outdoor commercial applications (patios, terraces, covered entrances), indoor spaces without gas service, and installations where precise zone control or aesthetic integration is required. Instant-on, no combustion byproducts, weatherproof options available.
For large facilities, Schwank also supports hybrid approaches — combining gas infrared for base load heating with electric infrared for zone-specific or supplemental comfort heating.
Why Schwank at DirectIndustrial.ca?
Schwank products are specified globally because they perform reliably in demanding environments over long service lives. They're not consumer-grade equipment dressed in commercial packaging — they're engineered systems with documented performance, genuine Canadian heritage through their North American operations, and a parts and service infrastructure that supports long-term ownership.
Browse the Schwank lineup at DirectIndustrial.ca — priced fairly, shipped across Canada.