OPW celebrates 125th anniversary in 2017

Jan. 11, 2017

OPW, a Dover company and a global leader in fluid-handling solutions, announces that it will observe a year-long celebration of the company’s 125th anniversary in 2017.

OPW was founded as the Ohio Pattern Works & Foundry Company in Cincinnati OH and was officially incorporated in 1892, a year in which several other very significant events occurred: the first official basketball game was played, the Pledge of Allegiance was first recited in schools, and John Philip Sousa began a 12-year tour as director of the US Marine Corps Band, during which time he premiered many of his most famous marches.

Like the sport of basketball, Pledge of Allegiance, and Sousa’s marches, OPW has stood the test of time. Founded through a $390 investment by Victor E. Tresise and Joseph E. Hausfeld, OPW began life during the Industrial Revolution as a company that created wood and metal patterns for use in the manufacture of everything from grave markers to oil valves.

Today, OPW manufactures aboveground and underground products for both conventional, vapor-recovery and clean-energy applications in the retail and commercial markets. Additionally, OPW supplies loading arms, valves and dry-break couplings, tank-truck equipment, railcar valves and equipment, and carwash systems. OPW has manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific, with sales offices around the world.

Over the years, the company was able to thrive by identifying and reacting to changes in the markets in which it operated. Through a series of shrewd business decisions and strategic acquisitions, OPW has established a global reputation as the fluid-handling equipment brand of choice, earned by providing high-quality products that deliver trust and peace-of-mind assurance in the areas of safety, reliability, durability, and environmental sustainability in critical fluid-handling operations.

As part of the anniversary celebration, OPW has planned a number of exciting and fun events that will take place during the course of 2017. Additional information will be posted on www.opwglobal.com/125-years as it becomes available.

“In today’s world of constant and rapid change, it is quite humbling to think OPW has endured the test of time and has been able to thrive for 125 years,” said Mike McCann, interim president of OPW, and vice-president and general manager of the OPW Retail Fueling business unit. “We have been able to realize this great accomplishment by focusing on the three ‘Ps’: People, Partners, and Products.

“Through the years, our people have reliably provided exemplary ideas and performance, and have exhibited a steadfast commitment to OPW’s mission, resulting in our ultimate success. Additionally, our channel partners, suppliers and customers have fully embraced our ‘Leading the Way in Fluid-Handling Innovation’ culture, which has contributed mightily to our achievements. Finally, our products have long set the industry standard in fluid-handling excellence, a leadership position we intend to maintain for the next 125 years.”

For more on OPW and its products, please visit www.opwglobal.com. 

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