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Company Origins
Clow Valve Company traces its roots back to 1878, initially formed as James B. Clow & Sons. The company began as a jobber of wrought iron pipe and other foundry products. Significant expansion occurred in 1890 when Clow became a distributor for the Eddy Valve Company of Waterford, New York, incorporating fire hydrants and waterworks valves into its portfolio.
Growth and Expansion
Clow Valve Company’s rich history reflects over 140 years of dedication to manufacturing waterworks valves and fire hydrants instrumental in safeguarding life and property. From modest beginnings as a pipe jobber to an industry leader with advanced manufacturing facilities, Clow exemplifies American industrial progress and ingenuity. Its products continue to play a fundamental role in water infrastructure, demonstrating quality, innovation, and reliability for generations.
Clow Valve Company traces its roots back to 1878, initially formed as James B. Clow & Sons. The company began as a jobber of wrought iron pipe and other foundry products. Significant expansion occurred in 1890 when Clow became a distributor for the Eddy Valve Company of Waterford, New York, incorporating fire hydrants and waterworks valves into its portfolio.
Growth and Expansion
- In the 1940s, Clow strategically acquired the Eddy Valve Company and the Iowa Valve Company based in Oskaloosa, Iowa, enabling a national presence and scale.
- The 1972 acquisition of Rich Manufacturing Company in Corona, California, brought the wet barrel fire hydrant into Clow’s product lineup, complementing existing waterworks offerings.
- Through continued growth, acquisitions like the Waterworks Division of Long Beach Iron Works in 1996 expanded hydrant product lines further.
- Today, Clow operates primary manufacturing plants in Oskaloosa, Iowa, and Riverside, California.
- The Oskaloosa facility integrates iron and brass foundries, machining, assembly, warehousing, shipping, and administrative centers into a single operation, emphasizing efficiency and quality control.
- The Riverside location serves as a sales and distribution hub focused on wet barrel fire hydrants and other inventory management.
- Clow has maintained a long-standing commitment to “Made in the USA” manufacturing, emphasizing product reliability and adherence to American manufacturing standards.
- Their product lineup includes over 900 varieties of valves, hydrants, and waterworks equipment designed for clean, abundant water distribution—a critical component of modern infrastructure and public safety.
- Clow continues to innovate in water system products to meet increasing demands for efficiency, durability, and environmental compliance.
- Over its extensive history, Clow Valve Company has played a pivotal role in advancing municipal waterworks infrastructure, supporting communities with dependable firefighting hydrants and water valve solutions.
- Their products are integral to water distribution networks and emergency services across the United States, recognized for simplicity, confidence, and availability.
- Fire Hydrant: A water outlet for fire emergencies connected to a municipal water supply system.
- Wet Barrel Fire Hydrant: A hydrant with water in the barrel at all times, suitable for warmer climates to prevent freezing.
- Wrought Iron: Tough, malleable form of iron used historically in piping and metalworks.
- Valve: Device regulating, directing or controlling fluid flow.
- Foundry: A factory where metal castings are produced by melting metal and pouring into molds.
Clow Valve Company’s rich history reflects over 140 years of dedication to manufacturing waterworks valves and fire hydrants instrumental in safeguarding life and property. From modest beginnings as a pipe jobber to an industry leader with advanced manufacturing facilities, Clow exemplifies American industrial progress and ingenuity. Its products continue to play a fundamental role in water infrastructure, demonstrating quality, innovation, and reliability for generations.
