What JB Industries does

JB Industries, Inc. is a privately held American manufacturer of professional HVAC/R tools and instruments, founded in 1967 and headquartered at 601 N. Farnsworth Avenue in Aurora, Illinois, where all products are engineered, manufactured, and tested. The company's core products span vacuum pumps (PLATINUM PRO, PLATINUM BEAST, ELIMINATOR, FLEX), refrigerant recovery units (F6-DP, F6-BOOST), digital and brass manifolds (REVOLVER, ZEPPELIN, PATRIOT, M2), digital vacuum gauges, ATLAS refrigerant scales, electrochemical and infrared leak detectors (PROWLER, QUEST, AURORA), KOBRA secure seal hoses, the CoreMax rapid charge and evacuation system, SHIELD A2L locking caps, brass fittings, access valves, ball valves, and supporting hand tools under the Just Better Tools and LA-CO Products lines. Notable technical components include patented manifolds dating to 1968, A2L-compatible tools with non-sparking brushless DC motors for mildly flammable refrigerants R-32 and R-454B, and the CLIMATE CLASS wireless diagnostic suite that integrates pressure probes, temperature clamps, psychrometers, manometers, vacuum gauges, and digital manifolds via Bluetooth with the JB GO V2 and measureQuick mobile apps.

JB Industries generates revenue exclusively through wholesale hardware sales to authorized HVAC/R distributors and does not sell direct to consumers or via e-commerce. Its go-to-market is built around a network of regional sales managers and independent rep agencies covering all U.S. states, plus international representatives across Canada, Latin America, Asia/Pacific, and Europe/Middle East/Africa, supported by trade show presence at the AHR Expo and field marketing through Pump Days events at local wholesalers. Customer segments include HVAC technicians and contractors as the end user, wholesale distributors and HARDI members as the channel, vocational trade schools via an Educational Partnership Program, and a niche automotive HVAC service segment. The company is co-owned by President Jeff Cherif and Secretary/Treasurer Ron Hill Jr., who purchased it in 2005 from Ron Hill Sr. and Lee Larson; CEO Paul Dachota has led operations for 15 years following an 18-year tenure at Motorola. JB has no disclosed venture or private equity backing and acquired C&D Valve in November 2019 to vertically integrate access valve manufacturing.

Name

JB Industries

Legal name

JB Industries, Inc.

Website

https://jbind.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1967

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

JB Industries is a privately held American manufacturer of HVAC/R tools and instruments, founded in 1967 in Aurora, Illinois, producing vacuum pumps, recovery units, manifolds, gauges, leak detectors, and wireless diagnostic equipment sold exclusively through authorized wholesale distributors worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

HVAC/R Tools and Equipment Manufacturing

NAICS

Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (333415), Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing (333310)

SIC

Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585), Refrigeration & Service Industry Machinery (3580)

akta.pro primary industry

HVAC Equipment (Heating, Cooling & Air Handling) (IMAHAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

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

Keywords

• HVAC service tools
• Refrigerant recovery equipment
• Vacuum pumps
• Digital manifolds gauges
• Leak detection instruments

Headquarters

HQ city

Aurora

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. HVAC/R Tools and Equipment Sales: JB Industries generates revenue through the manufacture and sale of professional HVAC/R tools including vacuum pumps, refrigerant recovery units, manifolds, gauges, leak detectors, refrigerant scales, hoses, fittings, and accessories. Products are sold exclusively through authorized wholesale distribution channels.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

JB Industries manufactures and assembles professional HVAC/R service tools at its Aurora, Illinois facility, including vacuum pumps, refrigerant recovery units, digital manifolds, gauges, scales, leak detectors, hoses, fittings, and the CLIMATE CLASS wireless diagnostic tool suite. All products are sold exclusively through authorized wholesale distribution channels (no direct-to-consumer e-commerce) and supported by the JB GO V2 / measureQuick mobile apps for wireless tool integration.

Product overview

JB Industries is an American manufacturer of HVAC/R tools and equipment, founded in 1967 and headquartered in Aurora, Illinois. The company produces a comprehensive portfolio of professional-grade HVAC/R diagnostic and service equipment centered around vacuum pumps, refrigerant recovery units, digital manifolds, gauges, and leak detectors. Their product ecosystem includes core product lines such as the PLATINUM and ELIMINATOR vacuum pump families, F6 series refrigerant recovery units, REVOLVER and ZEPPELIN digital manifolds, ATLAS refrigerant scales, and PROWLER/QUEST/AURORA leak detectors. Supporting products include the CoreMax rapid charge system, SHIELD locking caps, KOBRA secure seal hoses, brass fittings, access valves, manifolds, and Just Better Tools hand tools. The company has expanded into wireless diagnostics with the CLIMATE CLASS wireless tool suite featuring pressure probes, vacuum gauges, manometers, temperature clamps, and psychrometers with Bluetooth app connectivity. JB Industries has developed a complete A2L-compatible product line to support the industry transition to mildly flammable refrigerants R-32 and R-454B. All products are manufactured in the USA at their Aurora, Illinois facility.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Just Better Tools: Product line of professional-grade tools including tube benders, flare and swage tools, wrenches, pliers, shears, hex key sets, deburring tools, and fin straighteners
• LA-CO Products
• SHIELD
• CLIMATE CLASS
• PLATINUM
• F6 Recovery Units
• CoreMax
• LEAK DETECTORS
• Digital Manifolds
• ATLAS Scales

Products and services

• Vacuum Pumps (PLATINUM PRO, PLATINUM BEAST, ELIMINATOR) High-performance vacuum pumps for HVAC/R evacuation, available in spark-proof, dual voltage, and AC/battery powered configurations, manufactured in Aurora, Illinois using premium aluminum, brass and stainless steel.
• F6-DP and F6-BOOST Refrigerant Recovery Units Dual piston and BLDC ignition-proof (spark-proof) refrigerant recovery machines for removing refrigerant from HVAC/R systems during repair or end-of-life, including A2L-compatible F6-BOOST.
• REVOLVER and ZEPPELIN Digital Manifolds Wireless 4-valve digital manifolds for measuring refrigerant pressure in HVAC systems, available in wireless and wired configurations.
• Digital Vacuum Gauges (DV-22W, DV-22N, DV-24N, DV-22R, SUPERNOVA) Precision digital vacuum gauges for micron-level measurements during HVAC/R system evacuation, including wireless and Bluetooth-enabled models (CLIMATE CLASS line).
• ATLAS Refrigerant Scales (DS-20000, DS-20000S, DS-250, DS-5000 Propane) Digital and wireless refrigerant charging scales for accurate refrigerant measurement and charging, including propane-compatible variants.
• Leak Detectors (LD-5000 PROWLER, LD-3000 QUEST, LD-6000IR AURORA) Electrochemical and infrared refrigerant leak detectors for detecting HFC, HCFC, HFO, and blended refrigerants in HVAC/R systems.
• Manifolds (ZEPPELIN, M2, PATRIOT, REVOLVER) Brass and aluminum manifolds for refrigerant pressure measurement, available in 2-valve and 4-valve configurations including the patented M2 Standard Brass Manifold.
• CoreMax Rapid Charge and Evacuation System Integrated valve system delivering up to 5x greater flow for faster charging and evacuation with automatic valve shutoff and improved sealing.
• SHIELD A2L Refrigerant Locking Caps Color-coded safety locking caps for A2L refrigerants meeting International Mechanical Code and International Residential Code standards.
• CLIMATE CLASS Wireless Tool Suite Comprehensive wireless diagnostic tool suite including pressure probes, vacuum gauges, manometers, temperature clamps and psychrometers with Bluetooth connectivity to the JB GO V2 and measureQuick mobile apps.
• KOBRA Secure Seal Refrigerant Hoses Specialty refrigerant hoses featuring secure seal technology including CLSX, CLS, CLE, CLV and CLBV series with various end configurations.
• Brass Fittings Comprehensive line of brass fittings including ells, tees, couplings, flares, and check valves for HVAC/R applications.
• Access Valves and Quick Couplers Service access valves, quick couplers and adapters (including those complementing the CoreMax Access Valve System) for HVAC/R system access and testing.
• Automotive HVAC Tools Specialized tools for automotive air conditioning including R134a adapters, couplers, and ACME thread fittings.
• LA-CO Products Marking and sealing products including Pipetite-Stik, Cool Gel heat barrier, Bloc-It heat absorbing paste, Slic-Tite paste with PTFE, Valve Action Paint Marker, and Heat-Seal Stik premixed epoxy sealer.
• Just Better Tools Professional HVAC/R hand tools including flaring and swaging tools, tube benders, fin straighteners, deburring tools, hex key sets, pliers, shears and wrenches.
• Ball Valves Refrigerant ball valves including manual shut-off valves and E-Line actuators for automated control.
• A2L Compatible Products Complete line of A2L-compatible tools including vacuum pumps, recovery units, manifolds, gauges, leak detectors, hoses, and fittings designed for mildly flammable refrigerants R-32 and R-454B.
• Capillary Tubing and Cap Tube Tools Capillary tubing products and cutting/gauging tools for refrigeration system service.
• JB GO V2 and measureQuick Mobile Apps iOS and Android companion applications for JB wireless tools, enabling live readings, system diagnostics and report generation for HVAC/R professionals.

Quantifiable outcome

• A2L tools provide non-sparking brushless DC motor technology for safety with mildly flammable refrigerants
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• C&D ValvecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 November 2019JB Industries acquired C&D Valve, an American manufacturer of valves, fittings and HVAC tools. This acquisition expanded JB's in-house manufacturing capabilities for access valves and related components.
• FasTestcoreTechnology or Integration · 12 January 2017JB Industries partnered with FasTest to expand CoreMax Access Valve System coverage. FasTest provides quick-connect solutions that complement the CoreMax product line.
• Operation HomefrontminorOthers · 17 July 2013JB Industries supports Operation Homefront, a nonprofit that helps military families. A portion of proceeds from PATRIOT Manifold sales is donated to the organization.
• Pro Pipe SuppliesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 12 November 2012Marketing partnership with Pro Pipe Supplies for expanded distribution of JB products.
• ROTHENBERGERcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 12 January 2007Exclusive partnership with premier German tool manufacturer ROTHENBERGER to distribute high-quality HVAC tools. JB became exclusive U.S. distributor for ROTHENBERGER products.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Mastercool: Mastercool is a direct peer in HVAC/R service tools including vacuum pumps, recovery units, manifold gauge sets, and electronic scales. Mastercool competes with JB across the full HVAC/R tool portfolio and sells to similar wholesale distributors and contractor end-users.
• UEi Test Instruments: UEi is a direct peer in HVAC/R diagnostic tools, including digital manifolds, combustion analyzers, leak detectors, and refrigerant scales. Both companies serve HVAC technicians through professional distribution channels and overlap in wireless measurement and diagnostic instrumentation.
• CPS Products: CPS Products manufactures HVAC/R tools including recovery machines, vacuum pumps, scales, manifolds, and leak detectors. CPS sells through the same wholesale distribution channels as JB and competes across multiple core product categories, particularly in refrigerant recovery and scales.
• Testo: Testo is a direct peer in digital manifolds, wireless measurement instruments, and leak detection tools for HVAC/R technicians. Testo's smart probes and Bluetooth-enabled instruments compete directly with JB's CLIMATE CLASS wireless suite, particularly in markets prioritizing app-integrated diagnostics.
• Yellow Jacket (Ritchie Engineering): Yellow Jacket is a direct peer in HVAC/R service tools, including vacuum pumps, recovery machines, manifold gauges, leak detectors, and refrigerant management tools. Both companies sell through the same wholesale distribution channels to HVAC contractors, making Yellow Jacket JB's closest head-to-head competitor in vacuum pumps and recovery units.
• Robinair (Bosch): Robinair, a Bosch-owned brand, is a direct competitor in vacuum pumps, refrigerant recovery machines, and leak detectors for automotive and HVAC/R service. JB's M2 brass manifold historically competed with Robinair, and the two brands continue to overlap across the professional HVAC/R service tool category.
• Fieldpiece Instruments: Fieldpiece is a direct competitor in HVAC/R diagnostic instruments including wireless digital manifolds, leak detectors, refrigerant scales, and psychrometers. Both companies target professional HVAC technicians with comparable product categories, though Fieldpiece emphasizes direct-to-consumer e-commerce while JB sells exclusively through wholesale distribution.

Broad incumbents

• Inficon: Inficon is a broader incumbent in leak detection and vacuum instrumentation for HVAC/R, refrigeration, and industrial applications. While Inficon's product breadth extends beyond JB's HVAC/R focus, the company competes directly in refrigerant leak detectors and vacuum measurement, with greater R&D scale and global reach.

Emerging players

• Wagner Meters: Wagner Meters is an emerging player in moisture meters and building diagnostics with growing overlap into HVAC/R measurement tools. While Wagner's core focus is moisture detection for flooring and building inspection, the company competes in adjacent diagnostic instrumentation and represents a category-adjacent emerging player in the technician tools market.

Regional players

• Rothenberger: Rothenberger is a German HVAC and plumbing tool manufacturer that has been JB's exclusive US distribution partner since 2007. While Rothenberger primarily serves European markets and JB is its US distributor, the two companies operate in overlapping product categories (bending, flaring, and pressing tools), making Rothenberger both a partner and a comparable player in tool design and engineering.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCXIe75An8BEU9W4qJrotrwA
• Facebookfacebook.com/jbindustriesinc
• Instagraminstagram.com/jbindustries
• Xx.com/JBIND

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 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 JB Industries