Company Overview

Control Devices innovates, designs, manufactures, and assembles the highest quality custom and standard valves and flow control devices that protect life and our planet. 

Our Story

Joseph Krechel founded Control Devices in his St. Louis garage in 1963 with the vision of creating the industry’s most innovative check valve and controls for air compressor OEMs. After nearly 45 years of growth and success spurred by Krechel’s innovative and forward-thinking principles, Control Devices was recognized as an industry leader. 

Now, with the means to continue growing Krechel’s vision on a much larger scale, Control Devices has brought dedication and expertise into new industries and remains the trusted expert in flow control devices for manufacturers who place a premium on quality and who understand that every component contributes to product safety and their success. 

In addition to the extensive selection of valves, Control Devices designs and assembles products and components for pressure washers, air compressors, fire suppression systems, vehicle systems, specialty gas applications, refrigeration, air conditioning, agriculture, and the food and beverage industries. Among many others, these include specialty valves, nozzles, condensate traps, and refrigeration distributors.

Over the years, Control Devices has not only expanded its product offerings and industry reach but has also demonstrated a strong expertise in acquiring and growing companies that align with our commitment to innovation and quality. Our strategic acquisitions have strengthened our capabilities, broadened our portfolio, and reinforced our position as a leader in flow control solutions.

Control Devices

Joseph Krechel founded Control Devices in his St. Louis garage in 1963.

Hunter Fritz

CDI acquired Hunter Fritz a provider of component sourcing and product design/development for the flow control market with focus on pressure washers.

Roberts Manufacturing Company

CDI acquired Robert Manufacturing Company (RMC) well known for the BOB^® line of performance valves and BOBBY^® line of valve reservoir assemblies and miniature float valves.

Drain-All, Inc.

CDI acquired Drain-All, Inc. a lead manufacturer of zero-loss condensate traps.

Keepflo, Inc.

CDI acquired KeepFlo, a highly regarded manufacturer of refrigerant distributors and critical components of air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

Acquired by Goldner Hawn

Goldner Hawn Johnson & Morrison Incorporated ("GHJ&M") acquired Control Devices on August 30, 2013.

Kerick Valve Co.

CDI acquired Kerick Valve known for high-quality PVC float valves and other related components used in a variety of industrial applications.

Gadren Machine

CDI acquired Gadren Machine Company, a leading manufacturer of the Gade^® bronze and stainless-steel float valve line used in industrial and agricultural applications.

Flexi-Hinge Valve Company

CDI acquired Flexi-Hinge Valve Company, known for its seatless, full-port, double-disc check valves for municipal and industrial applications.

Harrison Worldwide, LLC

CDI acquired Harrison Worldwide, LLC, a global supplier of precision cylinder valves serving a broad range of industries and markets for compressed gas applications.

Advanced Fuel Components

CDI acquired Advanced Fuel Components, known for state-of-the-art performance engineered solenoid valves and filters for industrial, commercial and vehicle applications.

Dry Link

Control Devices acquired Dry Link^® Inc., a leading manufacturer of dry-disconnect "dry break" hose couplings and high-containment split-butterfly valves for the bulk transfer of liquids and powders used in hazardous, high viscosity, high-flow, and sanitary applications.

Acquired by HBM Holdings

HBM Holdings acquired Control Devices, LLC. October 13, 2021.

Essex Medical

CDI acquired Essex Industries’ medical gas regulator product line, the industry standard for reliability, durability, and the precise delivery of medical gases for patient respiratory therapy.

Gilmore

CDI acquired Gilmore expanding its flow control solutions portfolio and widening its reach in the oil and gas market.

Our Mission

Although much has changed through the decades, the core mission of Control Devices remains the same: to deliver lasting value through unparalleled customer focus, and by leveraging operational excellence and our flow control expertise to build the most reliable components on which our customers and the world can depend.

Still located in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area, with an in-house engineering team and manufacturing facilities, Control Devices continues to expand to provide customers with new and exciting solutions and is the right choice for those companies seeking a competitive advantage through reliable partners that deliver high-value solutions designed to protect the integrity of their products and reputation.

Our Purpose

We protect life and our planet, offering peace of mind through expertise that delivers trustworthy flow control products and innovative ideas for an even safer tomorrow.

Our Vision

Remain the trusted expert in flow control devices for manufacturers who place a premium on quality, and who understand that every component contributes to product safety and their success. 

Our Promise

We’ll do what’s right, from the experience you have with our team to the solutions we provide. 

Our Position

Control Devices is the right choice for those companies seeking a competitive advantage through reliable partners that deliver high-value solutions designed to protect the integrity of their products and reputation.

Our Values

Safety Is Our Priority.

Protecting life and our planet starts at home. We will plan for, and never compromise on, matters related to safety.

Customer Focused To The Core.

Our focus is always on our customers, anticipating, and innovating for, their needs. 

We Act With Integrity – Always.

Trust is built through consistency and transparency, so we will always be honest and do what’s right. 

Teamwork Drives Our Culture.

We collaborate, cooperate and communicate with each other, while holding every team member accountable in our goals and purpose.

Impact Through Innovation.

We set high expectations for results and each other, as we strive for excellence in our products and solutions.