What McElroy Manufacturing does

McElroy Manufacturing, Inc. is a privately held, family-owned industrial equipment manufacturer founded in 1954 by Art McElroy in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and currently led by his son Chip McElroy. The company designs and produces two distinct equipment lines: (1) pipe fusion machines for joining thermoplastic pipe (HDPE, polypropylene) used in water, natural gas, mechanical/HVAC/plumbing, and underground construction applications, with pipe capacity ranging from 1/2" to 65" diameter; and (2) fintube manufacturing equipment for producing helically finned tubes used in air coolers and heat exchangers, a market in which McElroy holds an estimated 80% global share. Core technical platforms include the patented Centerline Guidance System for balanced-force pipe clamping, the FusionGuide Control System offering three levels of operator automation, integrated DataLogger hardware for fusion process documentation, and the McElroy Vault cloud platform for joint record storage and analysis. The product portfolio spans tracked self-propelled machines (TracStar iSeries), compact portable units (Acrobat, Acrobat iSeries, DynaMc, Pit Bull, Lynqs), manual machines (Mini-Mc, Polygon, Sidewinder), and large-diameter rolling machines (MegaMc, Talon), complemented by productivity software (McCalc, Equipment Inspection App, Fintube Calculator) and training services (McElroy University).

McElroy generates revenue primarily through one-time equipment sales via a global authorized distributor network, with secondary revenue streams from parts and accessories, certified equipment rental through distributor partners, training and certification services, and software subscriptions tied to the Vault platform. Equipment is sold quote-based through distributors with no public pricing, and McElroy University courses confer industry-recognized credentials valid for two years. The company operates manufacturing in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; sales and engineering offices in Tulsa (HQ), Milton Keynes (UK), Olpe (Germany), Santiago (Chile), Canning Vale (Australia), and Bangalore (India); and two wholly-owned subsidiaries (Insight Engineering, Southern Specialties) supporting electronic and metal fabrication needs. Its customer base spans four primary verticals — Municipal/Water Utilities, Natural Gas Distribution, Mechanical/HVAC/Plumbing, and Underground/Construction — plus a secondary base of fintube manufacturers. McElroy has no external funding rounds, no parent company, and no public listing; ownership has remained within the McElroy family across two generations.

Name

McElroy Manufacturing

Legal name

McElroy Manufacturing, Inc.

Website

https://mcelroy.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1954

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

McElroy Manufacturing is a family-owned industrial equipment maker founded in 1954 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, producing pipe fusion machines (1/2" to 65" capacity) and fintube manufacturing equipment. It sells globally through certified distributors to water utilities, natural gas operators, mechanical contractors, and heat exchanger manufacturers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Pipe Fusion and Finned Tube Manufacturing Equipment

NAICS

Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing (3339)

SIC

General Industrial Machinery & Equipment (3560)

akta.pro primary industry

Pipe Accessories & Joining Systems (Couplings, Gaskets, Solvent Cement, Fusion Fittings) (IMANADAJ)

Keywords

• Pipe fusion equipment
• Thermoplastic pipe joining
• Finned tube machinery
• HDPE fusion machines
• Heat exchanger manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Tulsa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Fusion Equipment Sales: McElroy designs, manufactures, and markets a comprehensive line of pipe fusion equipment including manual machines (Mini-Mc, Pit Bull, Polygon), Acrobat series, DynaMc series, rolling machines (MegaMc), tracked machines (TracStar iSeries), and large-scale machines (Talon). Equipment ranges from small 1/2" pipe to 65" diameter pipe capacity.
2. Fintube Equipment Sales: Manufactures and sells finned tube manufacturing equipment including Applied Fintube machines (No.5) and Extruded Fintube machines (Model B). The company is recognized as producing the finest finned tube manufacturing equipment worldwide, with an estimated 80% of all finned tubes in the world made by McElroy machines.
3. Parts and Accessories: Sells genuine replacement parts, accessories, and productivity tools for fusion and fintube equipment. Includes pipe handling equipment (PolyHorse, LineTamer), testing tools (In Field Tensile Tester, Guided Side Bend Tester), hot tap tools, and consumables.
4. Equipment Rental: Through the Certified McElroy Rental program, distributors rent fusion equipment to customers. Rental machines are maintained to strict McElroy specifications, inspected by factory-trained personnel, and audited regularly to ensure quality standards are met.
5. Training Services: McElroy University provides operator qualification, maintenance, and inspector training both online and in-person. Courses lead to industry-recognized credentials valid for two years. Custom training available at customer locations or McElroy's Tulsa facility. CEU and PDH credits available.
6. Service and Support: Factory-trained technicians and Master Mechanics provide troubleshooting, rebuild, and maintenance services. Authorized Service Centers offer full product lines with service, training, and product support. Equipment inspection services and digital documentation through McElroy Vault platform.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

McElroy Manufacturing designs, produces, and sells pipe fusion machines for joining thermoplastic pipe (HDPE, polypropylene) used in water, natural gas, mechanical/HVAC/plumbing, and underground construction applications. It also manufactures finned tube production equipment (Applied Fintube and Extruded Fintube machines) for heat exchanger and air cooler makers. Equipment ranges from small manual machines (Mini-Mc, Pit Bull) to self-propelled tracked units (TracStar iSeries) and large-diameter rolling/tractor machines (MegaMc, Talon), supported by DataLogger documentation devices, the McElroy Vault cloud platform, operator training (McElroy University), parts, and rental services.

Product overview

McElroy Manufacturing is a portfolio company offering two distinct equipment lines: pipe fusion systems and fintube manufacturing equipment. The fusion product line includes tracked machines (TracStar iSeries), compact portable units (Acrobat, Acrobat iSeries, DynaMc, Pit Bull), manual machines (Mini-Mc, 1LC/2LC, Polygon, Sidewinder), and specialty machines (Lynqs) covering pipe sizes from 1/2" to 65" OD. Supporting products include DataLogger for joint documentation, McElroy Vault cloud platform for data management, McCalc pressure calculator, and McElroy Optimized Cooling technology. The fintube division produces No.5 Applied and Model B Extruded machines for helically rolling or extruding fins onto tubes, with complementary productivity tools. McElroy University provides training services, and the Equipment Inspection App enables fleet management. All products share patented Centerline Guidance technology and integrate with the DataLogger/Vault ecosystem for traceability.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• McElroy University: Advanced pipe fusion training program offering operator qualification, maintenance, and inspector training courses
• McElroy Fusion
• McElroy Fintube
• TracStar
• DataLogger
• McElroy Vault

Products and services

• TracStar iSeries Self-propelled, tracked fusion machines for large-diameter pipe (4" to 48") featuring FusionGuide Control System with three operator control levels (manual, enhanced guided workflow, automatic fusion), integrated DataLogger documentation, and advanced hydraulic/electrical systems. Used by contractors and utilities for HDPE pipe fusion in water, gas, and underground construction applications.
• Acrobat iSeries Compact, lightweight butt fusion machines for pipe from 2" to 12" (63mm to 315mm) with FusionGuide Control System, integrated DataLogger, auto-facing and auto heater retraction features. Available in 120V and 240V packages for underground and mechanical applications.
• Acrobat (Standard) Versatile compact butt fusion machines (180, 250, 315 models) for pipe from 2" to 10" DIPS with modular EP800AD or EP1500AD hydraulic power units, toolless jaw configuration, and DataLogger compatibility.
• DynaMc Compact modular fusion machines (250, 28, 412 models) for pipe from 2" to 12" DIPS, available in hand pump (HP) and electric pump (EP) versions with detachable carriages for close-quarter and in-ditch fusion.
• Manual Fusion Machines (Mini-Mc, Pit Bull, Polygon, Sidewinder) Hand-operated fusion machines including Mini-Mc, 1LC, 2LC, 2CU, Pit Bull 14/26, Polygon, and Sidewinder for pipe from 1/2" CTS to 6" DIPS, featuring patented Centerline Guidance System and 5-year warranty. Used by mechanical, plumbing, and gas contractors for small to medium diameter pipe fusion.
• Pit Bull Workhorse fusion machine line (14, 26, 250, 28, 412, 618 models) for pipe from 1" to 18" OD with modular components that can be configured for tight spaces with separate carriage, heater, and hydraulic power unit.
• Sidewinder Saddle fusion machines for installing 4" IPS and smaller branch saddles, tapping tees, and service saddle fittings onto 1¼" IPS and larger main sizes, available in Jaw Clamp and Chain Clamp configurations.
• Lynqs Compact saddle fusion machine for installing 1½" fittings onto 2" IPS mains with auto-alignment, one-handed operation, rapid open/close movement, and visual force indicator.
• DataLogger Handheld device that records and documents key parameters of the fusion process, capturing pressures, times, operator information, GPS locations, and machine data, with joint records stored and analyzed in the McElroy Vault cloud service. Used by fusion crews to provide regulatory-compliant traceability.
• McElroy Vault Cloud-based secure server for storing, analyzing, sorting, tagging, and sharing fusion joint records by machine, joint, operator, device, or job; integrated with the DataLogger and Equipment Inspection app.
• No.5 Applied Fintube Machine High-speed rolling mill for applying helical fins to tubes, handling tube sizes from 9/16" to 2" at up to 3000 RPM and producing 4-13 fins per inch in wrap-on, knurled, overlapped, and imbedded configurations, with digital drive system for repeatable accuracy and quick-change racks.
• Extruded Fintube Machine (Model B) Machine for producing extruded fin from aluminum muff tube pushed through rotating disc arbors, creating 5/8" high fin on tube sizes from 25mm to 1.5" with cruising RPM of 2800 and max of 3600; supports thinner muff walls (.176" vs. industry 0.183"-0.210") for material savings.
• Certified McElroy Rental Rental program delivered through certified distributor partners whose rental fleets are maintained to strict McElroy specifications, inspected by factory-trained personnel, and audited regularly to ensure quality standards; provides temporary equipment access for contractors.
• McElroy University Training Operator qualification, maintenance/repair, inspector training, and continuing education courses delivered online, in-person at the Tulsa campus, or custom on-site at customer locations; credentials valid for two years with CEU and PDH credits available.

Quantifiable outcome

• Water main break rates have declined approximately 20% from 2018 to 2023 as utilities adopt modern pipe replacement and leak detection technologies
• +2 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Insight EngineeringminorOthersInsight Engineering is an electronic engineering firm listed as part of the McElroy family of companies. Their designs have been included in products ranging from flight simulators to chemical pumps.
• Southern SpecialtiesminorOthersSouthern Specialties is a sheet metal enclosure and cabinetry manufacturer listed as part of the McElroy family of companies, providing manufacturing expertise for metal fabrication needs.
• Phillips Petroleum Co.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn 1969, Phillips Petroleum Co., one of the first developers of HDPE, approached Art McElroy to manufacture a pipe fusion machine that could work with the unique characteristics of HDPE. This led to McElroy's entry into the pipe fusion market and the creation of the first fusion machine, the 4" Hand Pump.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Caldertech: UK-based manufacturer of butt fusion and electrofusion equipment for thermoplastic pipes. Direct peer to McElroy in smaller-diameter fusion equipment, particularly serving gas distribution and water utility markets in EMEA.
• Rothenberger: Global supplier of pipe tools and installation equipment for plumbing, HVAC, and gas. Direct peer in pipe joining, threading, and installation tooling, with a broad distribution network that overlaps McElroy's Mechanical/HVAC/Plumbing segment.
• GF Piping Systems (Georg Fischer): Georg Fischer's GF Piping Systems division manufactures plastic piping systems and fusion equipment for water, gas, and industrial applications. Direct peer to McElroy in pipe fusion machines, particularly for larger utility and industrial projects, with comparable global distribution.
• Hürner Schweisstechnik: German manufacturer of plastic pipe welding and fusion equipment, including manual, hydraulic, and CNC-controlled machines. Direct peer to McElroy in HDPE and PP pipe joining equipment, with strong presence in European gas distribution and industrial markets.
• Ritmo Group: Italian manufacturer of butt fusion and electrofusion equipment for thermoplastic pipes. Direct peer to McElroy across socket, butt, and electrofusion welding machines, competing globally especially in Europe, the Middle East, and emerging markets.
• WIDOS (W. Stötzel & Sohn): German manufacturer of plastic pipe welding machinery including butt fusion, socket fusion, and extrusion welding equipment. Direct peer to McElroy in HDPE/PP fusion machines, primarily serving European water, gas, and industrial pipe markets.

Broad incumbents

• ESAB: Global welding and cutting equipment manufacturer serving heavy industrial, construction, and fabrication. Broad incumbent in welding-adjacent industrial equipment, with potential overlap in thermoplastic joining solutions and industrial customer channels.
• Lincoln Electric: Global leader in welding and cutting products, with broad exposure to industrial joining including plastic welding. While not a focused pipe fusion specialist, Lincoln Electric competes broadly in welding/fusion equipment and adjacent industrial channels that overlap with McElroy's customer base.

Others

• Wieland Group: European manufacturer of copper and copper-alloy tubes including finned tubes for heat exchangers and HVAC. Customer-side adjacent to McElroy's fintube division (purchases fintube manufacturing equipment) and competes with McElroy-equipped producers in finished tube markets.
• Alleima (formerly Sandvik Materials Technology): Manufacturer of advanced stainless steels and special alloys, including tubes for heat exchangers and industrial applications. Downstream user/customer of fintube manufacturing equipment and adjacent to McElroy's heat exchanger equipment business.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/mcelroyfusion
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/McElroyFusion
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mcelroy-manufacturing-inc
• Facebookfacebook.com/mcelroyforpe

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about McElroy Manufacturing