STA-RITE HISTORY
 


Sta-Rite History

 
WE’VE BEEN MOVING AND IMPROVING WATER SINCE 1934
 
STA-RITE® was founded over 75 years ago in Delavan, Wisconsin (USA) by William C Heath, then President of the A.O. Smith Corporation. From the beginning, Heath was driven to produce pumps “built right to stay right” – which, of course, led to the STA-RITE name. Heath’s success with Jets & Centrifugals in the early years led the company to quickly expand into 4” submersible pumps & motors. Today, STA-RITE sells a wide range of pumps, motors, tanks, controls, and accessories in over 100 countries around the world.
 
Important Dates in STA-RITE History:
 
  • 1934 – STA-RITE founded, opens above a drug store in Delavan, WI
  • 1956 – Manufactures first 4”, 6”, and 8” submersible well pumps
  • 1970’s – Diversifies into Dairy, Communications, and Fluid Power products
  • 1982 – STA-RITE acquired by WICOR Industries, goes "public' on the NYSE
  • 1985 – Purchases Flotec®, a retail pump line, in order to gain entry into the DIY market
  • 1986 - Purchases the BERKELEY® pump company from Transamerica
  • 1991 – STA-RITE divests all non-water-related businesses in order to focus on our core strength
  • 1999 – Purchases Simer® brand of retail pumps, a leader in pumps for the hardware and home center markets
  • 2002 – STA-RITE acquires AERMOTOR® brand of complementary products (including 4” submersibles, jet pumps, centrifugals, and accessories).
  • 2004 – Acquired by water industry leader Pentair, Inc. to form a global water technology business to serve multiple industries worldwide.
  • 2011 – Today, Pentair® and STA-RITE continue to strengthen its offering in water technology, developing innovative solutions to bear on the world's ever-increasing water consumption needs.