80 Years of American-Made Success
Conbraco Industries was created when two Detroit-based manufacturers of brass valves and fittings merged in 1928 forming Consolidated Brass Company. After 80 years, Conbraco is an American success story that's still being written.
The company now known as Apollo® Valves 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 2005, the company brought all of its products under the Apollo® Valves brand. Products which had been sold under the Conbraco brand included plumbing and heating products, water gauges, pop safety and relief valves, marine fittings and backflow prevention devices. Those lines joined the company's ball valves, actuators and mixing valves as part of the complete Apollo Valves family of products.
""As proud as we are of the Conbraco tradition that goes back eight decades, it is the Apollo name, and the quality and reliability that it stands for, that has won the confidence of our customers,"" said Cal Mosack, Executive Vice President.
Conbraco was founded by Clarence Mosack, grandfather of Cal Mosack, company president Glenn Mosack and vice president of marketing Carole Mosack Lee. They assumed control of the company after their father Carl Mosack retired as president in 2001. The Mosack family has led the privately-held company for three generations.
Nearly all Apollo® valves are produced in U.S. facilities that are second to none in the industry, including ISO-registered, state-of-the-art foundries and manufacturing facilities in Pageland and Conway, S.C. The company's headquarters is located in Matthews, N.C.
""Some of our competitors claim to be domestic while they are really sourcing most of their products from the Far East"", said Glenn Mosack. ""We actually manufacture 95 to 98% of all the components in our valves in our own plants in the Carolinas, right down to the yellow handles!""
Investments in manufacturing, quality control and distribution have surpassed $100 million in the past 10 years alone. Employing ""lean manufacturing"" practices in U.S. plants allows the company to improve deliveries, control costs and provide better customer service.
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 the 34HL thermostatically-controlled mixing valve, the first valve to meet ASSE 1069 requirements for multiple fixtures.
By focusing on problem-solving innovations, U.S.-made quality and the best delivery and fill rates in the industry, Apollo Valves will continue to thrive.
"We're a stronger company today because of our history," said Glenn Mosack. "Now, we're looking toward the future."