Conbraco Industries, Inc.
A 75-Year Success Story

American Lubricator and Brass Co. and Sterling & Skinner Manufacturing Co., two established Detroit-based manufacturers of brass valves and fittings, merged in 1928. They adopted a new name, Consolidated Brass Company, and Conbraco Industries was born. After 75 years, Conbraco is an American success story that’s still being written. Despite a weak economy in the early years, Conbraco thrived, driven by a spirit of innovation and a shared commitment to hard work and teamwork. That energy enabled the new company to succeed. Demand for valves and flow control products in new materials, designs and sizes was on the increase and Conbraco responded.

Twenty-five years after its founding, Conbraco began planning a major expansion. The company bought land outside Charlotte, N.C. in 1955 for a new headquarters, plant and foundry. It took five years to build, but in 1960 Conbraco moved its entire operation south. The new facility was distinguished by its degree of advanced design, manufacturing and testing technology. It was a formula the company would rely on later as it built new manufacturing and foundry facilities in Pageland and Conway, S.C.

Conbraco earned a reputation for developing new products to meet emerging market demands. In 1968, the company introduced its Apollo® Series 70 ball valve to the commercial market. A revolutionary innovation at the time, the product became the most specified ball valve in the world. Line extensions have resulted in new materials, new sizes and new applications for the classic Apollo ball valve in the ensuing years

Making it better in the USA

Conbraco's understanding of manufacturing technology and a commitment to controlling quality and cost has led to a continual reinvestment in plants and equipment.

Including new state-of-the-art foundries and machining facilities for both bronze and steel valves, Conbraco’s investments in manufacturing, quality control and distribution have surpassed $100 million in the past 10 years alone.

The company stocks $24 million in finished inventories at our distribution centers. Quick deliveries are supported by more than 2,000 stocking distributors around the globe. Inventory inquiries about the company’s 8,500 active line items are current to within one hour on a centralized computer system.

Open To Change, Eager For The Future

While some see valve manufacturing as a mature industry, Conbraco sees continuous opportunities for innovation. The company is constantly developing and introducing new products like our 87A/88A Series industrial flanged steel ball valves, our ASSE 1016/1017 mixing valve family, and our 77C Series full-port bronze ball valves, all built to meet the changing needs of the marketplace.

The lessons of our history tell us that by focusing on quality, helping our customers with problem-solving innovations, working hard and working as a team, Conbraco Industries will continue to thrive.

After 75 years, Conbraco employees are proud of their company and its traditions, and are prepared to achieve even more in the future