FloWorks International
FloWorks International is a Houston-based specialty distributor of flow control products, including valves, filtration, and instrumentation, serving industrial customers across chemical, petrochemical, power, semiconductor, and data center end markets through 60+ locations and 15+ subsidiary brands.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1961
- HeadquartersHouston, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What FloWorks International does
FloWorks International, LLC is a Houston, Texas-based specialty distributor of flow control products serving the industrial process and MRO markets. The company supplies valves, process filtration (PFF), rotating equipment, fluid handling systems, and instrumentation to customers in chemical and petrochemical, power generation, refining, oil & gas, semiconductor, data center cooling, mining, food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and marine end markets. FloWorks operates 60+ stocking locations across the United States, Canada, and Asia, supported by 50+ manufacturer partnerships, 59,000+ SKUs, and $100M+ of inventory. The business is built on a portfolio of 15+ subsidiary brands, including Sunbelt Supply, SemiTorr, Flotech, Genesis Systems, and others with legacy roots dating back to 1961.
The company operates a multi-channel distribution model combining localized branch fulfillment, e-commerce, EDI/VMI programs, automation centers, and machine shops that provide valve actuation, fabrication, and engineering support. FloWorks also maintains in-house engineering capabilities including CAD, FEA, and positive material identification (PMI) services, allowing it to participate in engineered solutions rather than purely transactional resale. Its customer base is anchored by 70+ long-duration MRO contracts averaging 15 years in length, with roughly 70% of revenue derived from customers with 10+ year relationships. The business has earned ISO 9001 certification across multiple brands and accumulated 70+ industry awards, supporting its positioning in safety-critical flow control applications.
Under Wynnchurch Capital's ownership (since January 2023), FloWorks pursued an aggressive buy-and-build strategy, completing seven follow-on acquisitions through 2025 in areas including process control (Applied Controls, Assured Automation), filtration (Cranford Equipment), Canadian distribution (CAC Industrial), and regional coverage (Slater Controls). The company reached approximately $1 billion in revenue at the time of its announced sale to Ferguson Enterprises for $1.6 billion in July 2026, representing roughly 10x LTM Adjusted EBITDA with approximately $45 million in expected annual run-rate cost synergies. FloWorks generates revenue through product distribution margins, value-added engineering services, MRO contract fulfillment, and integrated supply programs that create recurring revenue from industrial customers with mission-critical flow control requirements.
FloWorks International firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- FloWorks International
- Legal name
- FloWorks International, LLC
- Website
- https://gofloworks.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1961
- Operating status
- Acquired
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- FloWorks International is a Houston-based specialty distributor of flow control products, including valves, filtration, and instrumentation, serving industrial customers across chemical, petrochemical, power, semiconductor, and data center end markets through 60+ locations and 15+ subsidiary brands.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
FloWorks International industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Flow Control Distribution
- NAICS
- Fluid Power Valve and Hose Fitting Manufacturing (332912), Measuring, Dispensing, and Other Pumping Equipment Manufacturing (333914), Fluid Power Pump and Motor Manufacturing (333996)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Hardware & Plumbing & Heating Equipment & Supplies (5070), Oil & Gas Field Machinery & Equipment (3533), Pumps & Pumping Equipment (3561), Gaskets, Packg & Sealg Devices & Rubber & Plastics Hose (3050)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Pneumatic Components (FRLs, Cylinders, Valves) (IMAHAGAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Centrifugal Pumps (IMAHANAA), Pump & Compressor Packages (Skids, Booster Sets) (IMAHANAG)
Keywords
Where FloWorks International is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Houston
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices10 records
Markets served
FloWorks International business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Product Distribution - Valves, PFF, and Rotating Equipment: FloWorks generates revenue primarily through the distribution and sale of manual valves, automated valves, specialty PFF (pipe, fittings, flanges), pumps, rotating equipment, and fluid handling systems. Revenue is driven by both commodity and specialty product lines across a broad range of material grades (carbon, stainless, high nickel alloys, exotic alloys, and plastics). The company operates on a transactional and contract (MRO) basis, with consolidated billing and EDI capability.
- Value-Added Services: FloWorks generates additional revenue through comprehensive valve and flow control services including valve actuation repair and retrofit, field services, AML review, consignment programs, vendor stocking programs, complete valve modification and trim changes, interior/exterior coating of valves, instrumentation, heat exchanger maintenance, testing and certification, and turnaround trailers. Services are provided both in-shop and in-the-field.
- Data Center Cooling Solutions: FloWorks provides integrated fluid handling and flow control solutions for data center cooling systems including valves, pumps, pipe, tubing, hoses, automation, instrumentation, and filtration, positioning itself as a solutions partner for EPCs, general contractors, and mechanical contractors.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Multi-year contract | MRO Contract Pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
FloWorks International product offering
Product offeringCore offering
FloWorks International is a specialty distributor and service provider of flow control products including manual valves, automated valves, specialty pipe fittings and flanges (PFF), rotating equipment, and fluid handling systems. The company serves industrial enterprise customers across chemical, petrochemical, power generation, semiconductor, and data center markets through more than 15 subsidiary brands operating from 50+ locations in North America and Asia, supported by $100M+ inventory depth and value-added services.
Product overview
FloWorks International is a global leader in flow control products and technical services, operating as a multi-brand platform comprised of 19 subsidiary companies. The core product portfolio includes Manual Valves, Valves and Automation, Valve Services, Specialty PFF (Pipe, Fittings, and Flanges), Rotating Equipment, and Fluid Handling Systems. These products are distributed through subsidiary brands including Sunbelt Supply Co., SemiTorr Group, Oliver Equipment Company, Flotech, Triple S, National Valve, Genesis Systems, CTW Solutions, McKenna Engineering, Simtech, Tru-Flow, Assured Automation, Flows.com, Applied Controls, Southwest Stainless & Alloy, CAC Industrial, Slater Controls, and Cranford Equipment Company. The company also offers specialized Data Center Cooling Solutions. With 50+ physical locations across North America and Asia, FloWorks serves chemical, power, marine, agriculture, semiconductor, pharmaceuticals, pulp and paper, food and beverage, renewables, mining, and general industrial end markets.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Manual Valves
Companies that use FloWorks International
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments9 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
FloWorks International technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
FloWorks International partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered flagship / core, minor and core.
- Fergusonflagship / coreFerguson (NYSE: FERG; LSE: FERG) entered into a definitive agreement to acquire FloWorks (FWI Holdings, Inc.) for approximately $1.6 billion in an all-cash transaction. The acquisition is expected to close in Q3 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. FloWorks will become part of Ferguson's specialty industrial flow control platform, expanding Ferguson's non-residential value-added capabilities and increasing its total addressable market to $400 billion.
- Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLPminorOrrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP served as legal counsel to Ferguson for the FloWorks acquisition. Kirkland & Ellis LLP advised on financing.
- Cranford Equipment CompanycoreFloWorks acquired Cranford Equipment Company (CEC), a distributor of filtration products headquartered in Kenner, Louisiana, serving diverse industrial applications. CEC represents FloWorks' seventh acquisition under Wynnchurch's ownership and expands FloWorks' presence in industrial filtration.
- Slater ControlscoreFloWorks acquired Slater Controls LLC, a distributor of valve automation, instrumentation, and relief valves with four locations in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. This was the sixth acquisition under Wynnchurch's ownership.
- CAC Industrial EquipmentcoreFloWorks acquired CAC Industrial Equipment Ltd., a distributor of pumps and parts with repair service capabilities headquartered in Victoria, British Columbia, serving mining, aggregate, water, and other industrial end markets. CAC expands FloWorks' presence in Canada and strengthens its pumps offering.
- Applied ControlscoreFloWorks acquired Applied Controls, a manufacturer's representative with three business units serving industrial process control, analyzer systems, and heat trace services across chemical, refining, power, and food & beverage markets.
- Assured AutomationcoreFloWorks acquired Assured Automation, representing FloWorks' third acquisition in the last 12 months. Assured Automation is a leading supplier of actuated valves and flow components for industrial process control applications, serving equipment manufacturers through Fortune 500 companies.
- FlotechcoreClearlake Capital-backed FloWorks acquired Flotech, a leading value-added distributor and servicer of industrial valves and automation solutions in the Southeast U.S. Flootech operates three locations in Jacksonville, FL, Charleston, SC, Chattanooga, TN, and Mobile, AL.
- netMercurycoreClearlake Capital-backed FloWorks acquired netMercury, expanding its digital and technical capabilities in the flow solutions space.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
FloWorks International competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- MRC Global: MRC Global (NYSE: MRC) is the largest distributor of pipe, valves, fittings (PVF) and related flow control products serving the energy and industrial markets in North America. It is the most directly comparable pure-play PVF distributor to FloWorks, with similar end-market exposure (oil & gas, chemical, power) and a comparable MRO/capital project revenue mix.
- Hajoca Corporation: Hajoca is a large privately held US distributor of plumbing, heating, cooling, and industrial supplies with deep contractor relationships. Its industrial PVF and plumbing valve business overlaps directly with FloWorks' Sunbelt Supply and Genesis Systems operations, particularly in commercial and institutional end markets.
- WinWholesale / Winsupply: Winsupply is a privately held wholesale distributor of plumbing, heating, cooling, and industrial products with over 600 company-operated locations. It competes directly with FloWorks' branch network in commercial plumbing, HVAC, and light industrial valve/fitting distribution, particularly in regional markets.
- DXP Enterprises: DXP Enterprises (NASDAQ: DXPE) is a direct competitor in rotating equipment, MRO services, and fluid handling. Its Rotating Equipment and Repair (RER) and Integrated Supply (ISP) segments closely mirror FloWorks' pump distribution and valve automation capabilities, with overlapping customers in chemical, refining, and power generation.
Broad incumbents
- Watsco: Watsco (NYSE: WSO) is the largest HVAC distribution company in North America. Although primarily residential/commercial HVAC, its enterprise/institutional segment competes for some non-residential valve and flow control business that overlaps with FloWorks' data center cooling and building automation customers.
- Ferguson Enterprises: Ferguson Enterprises (NYSE: FERG) is FloWorks' announced acquirer and a much larger broad-line distributor of plumbing, HVAC, waterworks, and industrial products. While FloWorks sits within Ferguson's emerging industrial flow control platform, the parent operates a far broader portfolio across residential and non-residential construction, overlapping with some of FloWorks' commercial and institutional customers.
- Kaman Industrial Technologies: Kaman Industrial Technologies (a subsidiary of Kaman Corp, NYSE: KAMN) is a value-added industrial distributor serving fluid power, automation, bearings, and material handling markets. Its fluid power and automation offerings overlap with FloWorks' valve automation centers and field engineering capabilities.
- Applied Industrial Technologies: Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) is a broad-line industrial distributor serving MRO and OEM customers across fluid power, bearings, motion control, and material handling. While not focused exclusively on flow control, its fluid power and motion control segment competes directly with FloWorks' valve automation and rotating equipment offerings.
Others
- Mueller Industries: Mueller Industries (NYSE: MLI) is a manufacturer of copper, brass, aluminum, and plastic products including valves and fittings for plumbing and HVAC. As a key upstream supplier to industrial distributors like FloWorks, it represents the OEM side of the channel, providing a useful comparator for flow control product economics and pricing power.
- Watts Water Technologies: Watts Water Technologies (NYSE: WTS) manufactures and sells flow control and water quality products for plumbing, commercial, and industrial markets. While a manufacturer rather than distributor, its commercial/industrial valve portfolio overlaps with FloWorks' end markets, and its product breadth and pricing approach offer a useful reference for assessing the value of FloWorks' industrial valve distribution business.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
FloWorks International social profiles
Digital presenceFloWorks International compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
FloWorks International financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
FloWorks International leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
FloWorks International subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries19 records
FloWorks International funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
FloWorks International M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A11 records
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about FloWorks International
What does FloWorks International do?
FloWorks International is a specialty distributor and service provider of flow control products including manual valves, automated valves, specialty pipe fittings and flanges (PFF), rotating equipment, and fluid handling systems. The company serves industrial enterprise customers across chemical, petrochemical, power generation, semiconductor, and data center markets through more than 15 subsidiary brands operating from 50+ locations in North America and Asia, supported by $100M+ inventory depth and value-added services.
Is FloWorks International a public or private company?
FloWorks International is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently acquired.
When was FloWorks International founded?
FloWorks International was founded in 1961. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is FloWorks International based?
FloWorks International is headquartered in Houston, United States, in the North America region.
How does FloWorks International make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Product Distribution - Valves, PFF, and Rotating Equipment is the primary driver. The others are value-Added Services and data Center Cooling Solutions.
Who are FloWorks International's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are MRC Global, Hajoca Corporation, WinWholesale / Winsupply and DXP Enterprises. Broad incumbents are Watsco, Ferguson Enterprises, Kaman Industrial Technologies and Applied Industrial Technologies. Others are Mueller Industries and Watts Water Technologies.
Does FloWorks International have an API?
No public API is recorded for FloWorks International.
What industry is FloWorks International in?
FloWorks International's product category is Industrial Flow Control Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHAGAC, Pneumatic Components (FRLs, Cylinders, Valves), with a secondary code of IMAHANAA, Centrifugal Pumps. Its NAICS code is 332912 and its SIC code is 5070.