History
Founded in 1944 with less than $20,000 in capital, Franklin Electric has grown from a niche electric motor business into a multi-million dollar global enterprise. Through its long history of innovation, product line expansion, and acquisition, Franklin now manufactures a full array of products that make up complete water systems and fueling systems.
Growth Highlights
1944
Franklin Electric founded
1949
Patent filed for the first practical submersible motor using water as a lubricant
1959
6-inch submersible motors introduced
1962
First international joint venture set up in Dandenong, Victoria, Australia
1963
First wholly-owned subsidiary established in Strathroy, Ontario, Canada
1965
Franklin Electric Europa, GmbH established in Wittlich, Germany
1966
Franklin two-wire 4-inch submersible motor introduced
1970s
Franklin expands 6-inch submersible motors line to 50 hp
1972
Franklin Electric South Africa established
1973
Franklin-designed solid state starting switch introduced
1976
Franklin introduces 8-inch submersible motors
1983
Monterrey, Mexico facility opens
1988
FE Petro founded, introducing submersible pumps and motors for fueling systems
1992
Franklin Electric Australia becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary
1994
Franklin opens manufacturing facility in Brno, Czech Republic
1996
FE Petro introduces patented variable speed, variable length fuel pumping system
1999
Franklin introduces CP Water residential constant pressure water system controller
1999
Franklin opens manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China
2000
Franklin acquires EBW, maker of fueling systems hardware
2000
Franklin acquires APT, maker of fueling systems pipe and containment products
2000
FE Japan office opens in Tokyo, Japan
2002
Franklin acquires Coverco Srl, in Motta di Livenza, Italy
2002
Franklin acquires INCON, maker of fuel management systems
2003
Award-winning manufacturing facility opens in Linares, Mexico
2004
Franklin acquires JBD, Inc., submersible water pump manufacturer
2004
Franklin Fueling Systems established to consolidate fueling companies
2005
Franklin acquires Phil-Tite, maker of fuel containment products
2005
Franklin purchases a partial stake in Pioneer Pump Company
2006
Franklin acquires Little Giant Pump Co., leader in grey water pump products
2006
TriSeal™ patented pump hydraulics introduced
2006
Franklin acquires Healy Systems, maker of innovative fueling dispensing systems
2007
Franklin opens dedicated water systems training facility in Wilburton, Oklahoma
2007
Franklin acquires Pump Brands, Ltd., South African water pump manufacturer2007
Franklin is first fueling systems manufacturer to receive CARB approval for in-station diagnostic Phase II enhanced vapor recovery system
2007
Franklin acquires pump division of Monarch Industries, Canadian maker of water systems pumps
2008
Franklin acquires Schneider Pumps in Joinville, Brazil