WK Hile

What WK Hile does

W. K. Hile Company, Inc. is a privately held manufacturing representative firm founded in 1955 and headquartered in Matthews, North Carolina. The company sells industrial process instrumentation on behalf of approximately 40 manufacturers across two defined territories — North Carolina and South Carolina — staffed by three sales engineers (Kirk Hile covering coastal SC and southeastern NC; Larry Osborne covering central NC including Greensboro and Raleigh-Durham; John Rutledge covering western NC and SC including Asheville, Greenville, Spartanburg, Columbia, and Aiken). The product portfolio spans pressure, flow, level, temperature, valves, filters, signal processing, online analyzers, heating and cooling systems, and weighing systems, serving utility, chemical, pharmaceutical, municipal water/wastewater, pulp and paper, and general industrial customers.

Technically, the firm carries third-party measurement technologies rather than developing its own IP. Notable represented technologies include Arlyn Scales' patented Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) weighing technology (claimed 10x accuracy advantage over standard scales and 20x over strain gage scales), McCrometer V-Cone differential pressure flow meters, Smart Measurement Coriolis meters, Fuji Electric ultrasonic and NDIR gas analyzers, Ronan radiation-based level and density monitors, and Reotemp's patented REOCLICK sanitary RTD sensor for clean-in-place pharmaceutical applications. Pressure products from Fuji Electric and TESCOM reach up to 20,000 psig, and Chase Filters serve high-pressure oxygen applications under ASTM G175. Dimplex Thermal Solutions (Koolant Koolers) industrial chillers range from 1/2 ton to 60 ton capacity.

The business operates a dual revenue model. As a manufacturer's representative, W. K. Hile earns commissions from the approximately 40 manufacturers it represents in NC and SC. Concurrently, the wholly-owned HECO (Hile Equipment Company) division functions as a distributor that stocks products (Chromalox, Yokogawa, Norgren/Herion, Fenwal, Hotwatt, Chase Filters) and provides packaging services and authorized repair for Fenwal. Go-to-market is purely direct enterprise field sales — there is no e-commerce channel, no inbound digital funnel, and no disclosed self-service pricing. The firm maintains active membership in WEFTEC, ISA, ISPE, and MANA industry associations for demand generation.

Name

WK Hile

Legal name

W. K. Hile Company, Inc.

Website

https://wkhile.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1955

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

W. K. Hile Company, Inc. is a North Carolina-based manufacturer's representative founded in 1955 that sells industrial process instrumentation — including pressure, flow, level, temperature, valves, and weighing systems — on behalf of approximately 40 manufacturers across North and South Carolina, and operates the HECO distribution division for stocked product sales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Process Instrumentation Distribution

NAICS

Refrigeration Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (423740)

SIC

Wholesale-Hardware & Plumbing & Heating Equipment & Supplies (5070), Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585)

akta.pro primary industry

HVAC, Water Heaters & Indoor Air Quality Distribution (CRAOAFAJ)

Keywords

• Process instrumentation representative
• Industrial flow measurement
• Pressure level sensors
• Manufacturer representative firm
• Process control distribution

Headquarters

HQ city

Matthews

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Manufacturer Representation (Commission): W. K. Hile Company generates revenue as a manufacturer's representative, earning commissions from the manufacturers they represent in North Carolina and South Carolina. The company also operates HECO (Hile Equipment Company) as a distribution division that stocks products and provides packaging services.
2. Distribution (HECO): Hile Equipment Company (HECO) division stocks and distributes products with packaging services for clients, generating revenue through product sales and value-added services.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels2 records

Core offering

W. K. Hile Company, Inc. is a manufacturer's representative firm that sells, supports, and distributes process instrumentation products on behalf of more than 40 industrial manufacturers across North Carolina and South Carolina. Its offerings span pressure, flow, level, valves, filters and strainers, heating and cooling systems, signal processing, temperature controls, on-line analyzers, and weighing systems, complemented by a wholly owned distribution arm (HECO / Hile Equipment Company) that stocks products and provides packaging services for industrial customers.

Product overview

W.K. Hile Company, Inc. is a manufacturing representative company founded in 1955 serving North Carolina and South Carolina. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of process instrumentation products through represented manufacturers, organized into distinct categories: Temperature Controls (Gefran controllers and SCRs, Process Sensors infrared measurement, Fenwal/Chromalox temperature controls), Flow Measurement (McCrometer V-Cone and magnetic meters, Smart Measurement Coriolis meters, Fuji Electric and EASTECH ultrasonic meters, AW Flow positive displacement meters), Level Controls (APG sensors, Ronan nuclear and radiation gauges, TankLink wireless monitoring, Princo radar and sonic controls), Pressure Products (APG transducers and gauges, Fuji Electric transmitters with diaphragm seals up to 20,000 psig), Valves (Singer valves for water distribution, Tescom pressure regulators), Filters and Strainers (Chase Filters for gases and liquids up to 20,000 psig), Heating and Cooling Systems (Dimplex Thermal Solutions/DTS industrial chillers ½ to 60 ton, H.E.A.T. heating systems, Hotwatt electric heaters), Signal Processing (Ronan annunciators and sequential event systems, Masy SenseAnywhere cloud monitoring), On-Line Analyzers (Fuji Electric gas analyzers, Chemtrac streaming current and particle analyzers, Ronan density monitors), and Weighing Systems (Arlyn Scales with SAW technology providing 10X accuracy over standard scales). The company also operates HECO, a distribution division that stocks products and provides packaging services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• McCrometer V-Cone Flow Meters Differential pressure flow meters that require no straight run, offer 20:1 turndown, deliver 1% accuracy, work after elbows, and measure down to 0.1 inch WC differential; available in sizes from 1/2 inch to any pipe size for industrial customers.
• McCrometer Ultra Mag Magnetic Flow Meter Magnetic flow meter for wastewater and water lines from 2 inch to 48 inch, capable of measuring down to 0.2 feet per second, with a unique Ultra liner for use on the suction side of pumps, serving municipal and industrial customers.
• Smart Measurement Coriolis Flow Meters Micro-Bend, Delta-Tubed, and U-Tubed Coriolis meters with no moving parts; provide mass flow, density, temperature, and volumetric flow, with pricing starting under $3,000 for flows up to 13.5 GPM or 50,000 grams, for industrial customers.
• Fuji Electric Ultrasonic Flow Meters Ultrasonic flow meters for liquids, air, and steam up to two-inch lines, with both inline and portable options, and non-penetrating external pipe measurement capability, for industrial customers.
• EASTECH VANTAGE and ACCURON Ultrasonic Flow Meters VANTAGE 2200 open channel flow meters, VANTAGE 3000/4000 transit time flow meters, and ACCURON 7100/7200/7400 meters for partially filled pipes, all with no moving parts required, serving industrial and municipal customers.
• AW Flow Positive Displacement Flow Meters Positive displacement flow meters that maintain accuracy despite viscosity changes and require no straight run; suitable for oils, grease, fuel, solvents, polyurethanes, brake fluid, paints, adhesives, sealants, and resins, serving industrial customers.
• APG Level Switching and Continuous Level Sensors Level switching sensors (conductive, float, magnetic, vibrating rod/fork/paddle) and continuous level technologies including non-contact microwave, guided microwave, ultrasonic, magnetostrictive, and bypass indicators for industrial level applications.
• Ronan Engineering Nuclear Level Controls and Leak Detection Low-level radiation (RLL) gauges for plug chute detection and continuous level measurement, plus tank leak detection systems meeting EPA compliance requirements with Statistical Tank Evaluation and Leak Test (S.T.E.A.L.T.) capability for industrial customers.
• TankLink Wireless Tank Level Monitoring Wireless tank level monitoring for chemicals at remote sites or tank farms with level indication alerts for critical low product levels, helping optimize routing and delivery for industrial customers.
• APG Pressure Transducers and Digital Pressure Gauges Piezoresistive pressure transducers using Wheatstone bridge technology on a diaphragm, plus submersible pressure sensors with Class I Div I intrinsically safe certifications for dirty or clean water applications serving industrial customers.
• Smart Measurement ALDP Differential Pressure Transmitter ALDP-MV multi-variable differential pressure transmitter with built-in flow equations for steam, gases, and liquids, plus optional HART output, for industrial customers.
• Fuji Electric Pressure Transmitters with Diaphragm Seals Gauge, absolute, and differential pressure transmitters with diaphragm seals for pressure measurements in line or level in open tanks, capable of handling high pressures up to 20,000 psig for chemical and industrial customers.
• Gefran Temperature Controllers and SCR Power Controls Complete product line of temperature controllers and process controls with solid-state relays (SCRs) for resistive and inductive loads; includes GFX4 configuration controlling four separate heater loads with four PID circuits and PLC communication, plus GFW series with current capacities up to 250 amps and electronic fusing for industrial customers.
• Process Sensors Corp Infrared Non-Contact Temperature Measurement Infrared non-contact temperature measurement instruments for verifying part temperatures in processes, high-temperature furnace measurements, refractory material verification, and portable devices used on power line insulators, motor bearing housings, and electrical hot spots for industrial customers.
• Reotemp Thermometers, RTDs, and REOCLICK Sanitary RTD Sensor Bi-metal, digital, and dual meter thermometers, RTDs, sanitary temperature products, pressure gauges, diaphragm seals, and the patented REOCLICK sanitary RTD sensor with 3-A approved wetted surfaces (32 Ra or better) for clean-in-place applications in pharmaceutical and sanitary industrial processes.
• Singer Valves Water Distribution and Control Water distribution and sewage pressure relief valves from 1/2 inch to 36 inches, including anti-cavitation control, pressure reducing, level control, pump control, altitude control, and electronic control options for water utility customers.
• Tescom High-Accuracy Pressure Regulators High-accuracy pressure control regulators and back regulators controlling from inches to 20,000 psig, including the ER-5000 for precise downstream pressure settings, manual and air-loaded on/off valves for industrial customers.
• Chase Filters and Components Filters for gases and liquids with pressure ratings up to 20,000 psig, including specialty inline filters for high-pressure oxygen meeting ASTM G175 Phase 2, coalescing filters for moisture removal, and interchangeable filters to more than 175 companies for industrial customers.
• Dimplex Thermal Solutions (DTS) Koolant Koolers Industrial Chillers Industrial chillers from 1/2 ton to 60 ton capacity with patented design since 1950, redundant operation delivering 99.96% uptime, more than 60,000 chillers in the field, and customization available for industrial customers.
• H.E.A.T. Custom Heating Systems Custom heating systems including electric tubular heaters, gas-fired heaters, hot water systems, hot oil systems, duct air heaters, circulation heaters for liquids or gases, open coil heaters, and packaged control systems for industrial customers.
• Hotwatt Electric Heaters Customized electric cartridge elements for metal molds, seamless stainless strip heaters, air heaters, rectangular, metric, and band heaters for industrial heating applications.
• Ronan Annunciator and Sequential Event Systems Annunciator systems with 15-millisecond high-speed scanning, audible and visual alarm indication, and sequential event systems with 1-millisecond detection, plus DF1, Modbus RTU, TCP/IP, and OPC communication interfaces for industrial customers.
• Masy SenseAnywhere Cloud Monitoring Cloud-based temperature, humidity, CO2, vibration, and contact closure monitoring with 10-year battery life for product transportation and storage monitoring, with text alarm notifications for industrial customers.
• Fuji Electric NDIR and Laser Gas Analyzers NDIR analyzers for multiple gases (NOx, SO2, CO2, CO, CH4, O2) used in steel plants, gas manufacturing, heat treatment furnaces, and labs, plus laser gas analyzers for waste incinerators and industrial boilers.
• Chemtrac Streaming Current, Particle, and Chlorine Analyzers Streaming current lab and online monitors for coagulant control, particle monitors detecting down to 1 micron, laser particle counters, coagulant charge analyzers, and reagent-free free/total chlorine analyzers for water treatment applications.
• Ronan Density and Suspended Solids Monitors Radiation-based low-level density gauge requiring no wipe test, no safety officer, and no specific NRC license, used for continuous density and suspended solids monitoring in industrial processes.
• Arlyn Scales Ultra Precision SAW Bench Scales Ultra-precision bench scales using patented Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) technology, providing 10x better accuracy than standard scales and 20x better accuracy than Strain Gage scales at less than half the cost of Force Restoration scales; suitable for part counting, expensive product weighing, and cylinder weighing in industrial applications. Also includes hazardous-environment scale options.
• Hile Equipment Company (HECO) Distribution Division The wholly owned distribution arm of W. K. Hile Company, Inc. that stocks products and provides packaging services. Offers Chromalox SCR power controls, Yokogawa digital temperature controls and recorders, Norgren/Herion valves and pressure switches, Fenwal temperature controls, Hotwatt electric heaters, and Chase Filters, providing quicker delivery and value-added services to industrial customers.

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• GefrancoreTechnology or IntegrationGefran provides complete product line of temperature controllers, process controls, solid-state relays, and SCR power controllers. They offer engineering support locally at Hile Controls and at their U.S. Headquarters in Winchester, Massachusetts.
• McCrometercoreTechnology or IntegrationMcCrometer provides V-Cone flow meters, magnetic flow meters (Ultra Mag), and FPI/SPI insertion meters for water, sewage, and industrial applications. Products include V-Cone, Propeller, and Rotameters.
• Fuji ElectriccoreTechnology or IntegrationFuji Electric provides gauge, absolute, and differential pressure transmitters, diaphragm seals for high pressures up to 20,000 psig, and ultrasonic flow meters for liquids, air, and steam applications.
• TESCOM Corp.coreTechnology or IntegrationTESCOM provides high-accuracy pressure regulators and back regulators controlling from inches to 20,000 Psig, including ER-5000 for precise downstream pressure settings and manual/air loaded on/off valves.
• Singer ValvecoreTechnology or IntegrationSinger Valve provides pressure relief valves, pressure reducing valves, altitude valves, flow control valves, pump control, and surge control for water distribution and sewage applications in sizes from 1/2 inch to 36 inches.
• RONAN EngineeringcoreTechnology or IntegrationRONAN provides nuclear level controls, density monitors, belt scales, leak detection systems, tank gauging, display products, annunciators, and sequential event recording systems for industrial applications.
• Arlyn ScalescoreTechnology or IntegrationArlyn Scales manufactures weighing systems including Ultra Precision Bench Scales with patented SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) technology providing 10x better accuracy than standard scales. Also offers scales for hazardous and corrosive environments.
• Process Sensors Corp.coreTechnology or IntegrationProcess Sensors Corp. provides infrared non-contact temperature measurement instruments for online and portable applications, including calibration equipment for verifying temperatures in furnaces and industrial processes.
• HotwattcoreTechnology or IntegrationHotwatt manufactures electric cartridge heaters, strip heaters, air heaters, band heaters, and rectangular/metric dimension heaters with embedded controls for industrial heating applications.
• Dimplex Thermal Solutions (DTS)coreTechnology or IntegrationDimplex Thermal Solutions (DTS) provides industrial chillers from 1/2 ton to 60 ton capacity (Koolant Koolers) with patented design since 1950, 99.96% uptime, and over 60,000 chillers in the field. Customization available.
• H.E.A.T. (Heat Exchange & Transfer, Inc.)coreTechnology or IntegrationH.E.A.T. designs custom heating systems including electric tubular heaters, gas-fired heaters, hot water systems, hot oil systems, duct air heaters, circulation heaters, and packaged control systems.
• Chemtrac Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationChemtrac provides streaming current analyzers, particle monitors, residual chlorine analyzers, pH/conductivity/ORP monitors, coagulant charge analyzers, and on-line corrosion monitoring for water treatment applications.
• APG (Automation Products Group)coreTechnology or IntegrationAPG provides pressure transducers, level controls, digital pressure gauges, ultrasonic and radar level sensors, float sensors, and diaphragm seals for various industrial measurement applications.
• Smart MeasurementcoreTechnology or IntegrationSmart Measurement offers Coriolis flow meters (Micro-Bend, Delta-Tubed, U-Tubed), ultrasonic flow meters (handheld and permanent), thermal flow meters, and differential pressure transmitters.
• AW Flow MeterscoreTechnology or IntegrationAW Flow Meters provides positive displacement flow meters designed to maintain accuracy despite viscosity changes, suitable for oils, greases, fuels, solvents, paints, adhesives, and resins.
• Eastech Flow ControlscoreTechnology or IntegrationEastech Flow Controls provides ultrasonic flow measurement for open channel, closed pipes, and partially filled pipes including VANTAGE 2200, 3000, 4000, and ACCURON 7100/7200/7400 series meters.
• Reotemp InstrumentscoreTechnology or IntegrationReotemp provides bi-metal, digital, and dual meter thermometers, RTDs, sanitary temperature products, pressure gauges, diaphragm seals, and the patented REOCLICK SANITARY RTD SENSOR for clean-in-place applications.
• Advanced Sensor Technologies Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationAdvanced Sensor Technologies provides digital pressure gauges, pressure transducers, and ultrasonic and radar level measurement devices.
• Fenwal Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationFenwal provides thermoswitch controls, bi-metal temperature limiting thermostats, Detect-A-Fire switches, and surface mount thermoswitches. HECO is an authorized repair station for Fenwal products.
• Chase FilterscoreTechnology or IntegrationChase Filters and Components provides filters for gases and liquids up to 20,000 psig, specialty inline filters for high-pressure oxygen (ASTM G175 compliant), coalescing filters, and interchangeable filters for over 175 companies.
• PrincocoreTechnology or IntegrationPrinco provides impedance, smart controls, radar level, and sonic level measurement devices for various industrial level applications.
• ChromaloxcoreTechnology or IntegrationChromalox provides SCR power controls for temperature regulation in industrial heating applications.
• YokogawacoreTechnology or IntegrationYokogawa provides digital temperature controls and digital recorders through the HECO distribution division.
• Norgren/HerioncoreTechnology or IntegrationNorgren/Herion provides valves, pressure switches, air regulators, and air preparation equipment through the HECO distribution division.
• MANA (Manufactures Agents National Association)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerW. K. Hile Company is a member of MANA, the Manufactures Agents National Association for independent manufacturers' representatives.
• WEFTEC (Water Environment Federation)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerActive participation in WEFTEC events for water environment industry networking and visibility.
• ISA (Instrument Society Association)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerActive participation in ISA events for instrumentation industry professional development and networking.
• ISPE (International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerActive participation in ISPE events for pharmaceutical engineering industry networking.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Regional players

• Hughes-Peters: Privately held regional industrial and electronic components distributor serving the Southeast US from multiple branch locations; similar in size and customer mix to WK Hile and competes directly for Carolina industrial and OEM accounts.
• Kendall Electric: Regional industrial and electrical distributor serving the Midwest and Southeast US with a similar relationship-based, multi-branch go-to-market model; comparable to WK Hile in size, customer type, and breadth of industrial product portfolio.
• Border States Electric: Privately held regional electrical and industrial distributor serving utilities, contractors, and industrial customers across the Upper Midwest and Southeast US, with a similarly relationship-driven, branch-based sales model that overlaps with WK Hile's industrial customer base in the Carolinas.
• EECOL Electric: Privately held regional electrical and industrial distributor with Canadian roots and US branch coverage across multiple states; competes with WK Hile for industrial MRO and project specification business in adjacent geographies.

Broad incumbents

• Sonepar: World's largest privately held B2B electrical distribution group operating thousands of branches globally; relevant as a broad industrial distributor that could acquire WK Hile's territory or compete for the same Carolina industrial accounts.
• Rexel: Global electrical, lighting, and industrial distribution group with substantial US operations serving industrial, commercial, and residential markets; comparable to WK Hile in serving process-instrumentation-adjacent customer needs through branch distribution.
• Graybar: Large US distributor of electrical, communications, and industrial products operating from hundreds of branch locations; competes with WK Hile's industrial customers in the Carolinas for adjacent product categories and represents the kind of consolidator or direct competitor the small rep firm faces.
• Newark Electronics: Broad-line industrial electronics and process-control component distributor serving engineers and buyers across North America; comparable to WK Hile's industrial catalog and competes for the same engineering-driven purchase decisions.
• WESCO International: Global Fortune 500 distributor of electrical, communications, and utility products with a sizable industrial automation and MRO portfolio; competes for the same industrial customers as WK Hile and is a likely consolidator of regional rep firms.
• RS (formerly RS Components): Global high-service distributor of industrial and electronic components, including process instrumentation categories that overlap with WK Hile's portfolio; relevant because its digital-first, broad-catalog model represents the channel alternative that could erode traditional rep relationships.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/w-k-hile-co

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 WK Hile