What McKenzie Valve & Machining does

McKenzie Valve & Machining LLC is a Tennessee-based manufacturer of precision-engineered tank car valves, fittings, and fabrications primarily constructed from 316 stainless steel for the North American railroad industry. The company produces a comprehensive product portfolio including compact vacuum relief valves (VRV series), low flow safety relief valves (SRV series), bottom outlet valves, excess flow check valves, sample/needle valves, angle valves, thermometer wells, surge suppressors, and patent-pending specialty valves such as the UNSA Flanged Acid Adapter, USRAC Dual Threaded Acid Valve, and Magnetic Gauge Device. Manufacturing relies on CNC machining with automation, robotic welding, MIG and TIG welding, and full assembly capabilities, supported by in-house calibration, non-destructive testing, life-cycle testing, and CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) capabilities with AWS-CWI inspectors on staff.

The business operates a direct sales model targeting enterprise buyers including tank car fleet owners (UTLX, EXSIF Worldwide, Procor), railcar repair shops, and OEMs across the U.S. and Canada. Pricing is quote-based with net-30 payment terms, and the company accepts major credit cards. Distribution is supported by an online catalog, a valve replacement search tool that matches existing or obsolete valve models to McKenzie equivalents, 3D model resources, and technical documentation. In 2022 the company obtained AAR C5 certification and launched a certified Valve Rebuild Service — including an exchange ('send one, get one') program — extending the offering into aftermarket services for valves from any manufacturer.

McKenzie Valve is a privately held subsidiary of Marmon Holdings, Inc., itself a Berkshire Hathaway company, and operates as an autonomous business within the Marmon Rail transportation sector. The company was founded in 1996, holds AAR M-1003, M-1002, C4, and B-85 certifications alongside ISO 9001:2015, ships approximately 80,000 pieces per year with an average 3.5-day lead time, and reports 28 years of operating history. Revenue is generated primarily through one-time product sales of valves and accessories, supplemented by valve rebuild/reconditioning professional services and repair kit sales.

Name

McKenzie Valve & Machining

Legal name

McKenzie Valve & Machining LLC

Website

https://mckenzievalve.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

McKenzie Valve & Machining LLC manufactures AAR-certified precision tank car valves, fittings, and fabrications from 316 stainless steel for North American rail fleet operators, repair shops, and chemical transporters, and offers certified valve rebuild services as a Marmon Holdings subsidiary.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Railroad Tank Car Valves and Fittings

NAICS

Industrial Valve Manufacturing (332911)

SIC

Railroad Equipment (3743)

akta.pro primary industry

Pressure Vessels, Columns & Storage Tanks (ASME/Process Vessels) (IMAHAEAF)

Keywords

• Tank car valves
• Railroad equipment manufacturing
• AAR-certified valves
• Precision CNC machining
• Valve rebuild services

Headquarters

HQ city

Mckenzie

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Tank Car Valve Sales: McKenzie Valve manufactures and sells a comprehensive range of AAR-certified tank car valves including ball valves (full port, angle, bottom outlet), vacuum relief valves, safety relief valves, excess flow check valves, sample/needle valves, thermometer wells, and pressure tank car fittings. Products are sold to tank car operators, repair shops, railroads, and chemical companies. Pricing is quote-based with net-30 payment terms.
2. Valve Rebuild and Reconditioning Services: A certified valve rebuild service (AAR C5 certified since 2022) offering inspection, rebuilding, testing, and reinstallation of valves from any manufacturer. Includes an exchange program ('send one, get one') to minimize downtime. Covers the rail industry and adjacent sectors including chemical processing and manufacturing.
3. Repair Kits and Accessories: Sale of ball valve repair kits, replacement components, plugs, chains, and other accessories. Repair kits address common issues like leaks and corrosion, extending equipment lifespan and reducing operational downtime.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

McKenzie Valve & Machining manufactures and sells AAR-certified precision tank car valves, fittings, and fabrications for the railroad industry, primarily from 316 stainless steel, including ball valves, vacuum relief valves, safety relief valves, bottom outlet valves, excess flow check valves, sample/needle valves, thermometer wells, and angle valves. The company also provides AAR C5 certified valve rebuild and reconditioning services for valves from any manufacturer, plus repair kits, engineering support, design assistance, and inventory/consignment programs. Production is supported by CNC machining, robotic welding, MIG/TIG welding, in-house NDT, calibration, and life-cycle testing.

Product overview

McKenzie Valve & Machining is a manufacturer of precision-engineered tank car valves, fittings, and fabrications for the railroad industry. The company operates as a one-stop shop offering a comprehensive portfolio of products organized across four main categories: General Purpose Tank Car Parts, Pressure Car Tank Car Parts, Miscellaneous Tank Car Parts, and Products in Service Trial. The core product line centers on 316 stainless steel valves including Compact Vacuum Relief Valves (VRV Series), Low Flow Safety Relief Valves (SRV Series), Ball Valves in various configurations (Bottom Outlet Valves, Angle Valves, Full Port Valves), Sample/Needle Valves, Excess Flow Check Valves, Thermometer Wells, and specialized valves like the patent-pending USRAC Dual Threaded Acid Valve. The portfolio also includes the UNSA Flanged Acid Adapter, Magnetic Gauge Device, Surge Suppressors, Steam Jacketed Valves, and accessory products such as Plugs & Chains. The company differentiates through its AAR-certified quality system and offers complementary services including a certified Valve Rebuild Service (AAR C5 certified since 2022), Engineering Support, Inventory Management, Consignment Programs, Design Assistance, and Tank Car Component Sourcing. All products are backed by a 10-year warranty and industry-best 3.5-day average lead time.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Compact Vacuum Relief Valve (VRV Series) AAR-approved compact vacuum relief valves for tank car service, designed to admit air or inert gases to prevent tank implosions by balancing internal and external pressure. Available in sizes from 3/4" to 4" in 304 and 316 stainless steel with engineered calibration for specific pressure set points and in-situ testing capability.
• Low Flow Safety Relief Valve (SRV Series) AAR-approved safety relief valves for tank car systems that open automatically when pressure exceeds safe limits. Available in pressure ranges of 75 to 330 PSIG, with lead time of approximately 5 days, to prevent dangerous overpressure and protect people, environment, and operations.
• Bottom Outlet Valve (BOV) Full port bottom outlet valves for tank car applications, available in standard height and low profile configurations with AAR groove mount, steam jacket options, and various material configurations. Lead time approximately 7 days.
• Excess Flow Check Valve (EFCV) Excess flow check valves designed to automatically shut off flow when excessive flow rates are detected, protecting tank car systems from overpressure situations.
• Sample (Needle) Valve (SNV) AAR-approved stainless steel sample valves for taking precise fluid or gas samples without disrupting tank car processes. Rated up to 500 PSI with 2-day lead time.
• Flanged Acid Adapter (UNSA) Patent-pending flanged acid adapter (SKU UNSA) for acid car maintenance, featuring innovative thread separation and leak-proof sealing. Reduces downtime and extends component life for fleet operators and repair shops; lead time approximately 3 days.
• Magnetic Gauge (MVMG-U) AAR-certified magnetic gauge device (SKU MVMG-U) that simplifies gauge system operations, reduces maintenance complexity, and streamlines inventory for tank car applications; lead time approximately 1.5 to 2 weeks.
• USRAC Dual Threaded Acid Valve Patent-pending dual threaded acid valve engineered for sulfuric acid service with transit-protective cap, torque-independent sealing, and four-sided anti-rotation device for enhanced durability and installation flexibility.
• Rising Stem Angle Valve (RSV) Rising stem angle valves for specialized industrial tank car applications, designed for durability, fast lead times, and precision flow control. Built for durability and precision with full launch upcoming after final testing.
• Steam Jacketed Valves Valves with integral steam heating jackets for applications requiring temperature-controlled product flow, particularly for viscous or temperature-sensitive materials such as those moved by UTLX Manufacturing.
• Surge Suppressor Pressure surge protection devices for tank car systems that prevent pressure surges and enhance safety during rail operations.
• Thermometer Well / Thermowell (TW) Temperature measurement wells for tank car applications, available in threaded and flanged configurations with various material options for different service conditions.
• Angle Valve (UFRA) 2-inch angle valves designed for flow control optimization in industrial tank car applications. Available in various configurations with AAR-compliant mounting options.
• Plug & Chains Protective plugs and chain assemblies for tank car valve applications, available in various sizes and materials including stainless steel and carbon steel options.
• Ball Valve Repair Kits Comprehensive repair kits for ball valve maintenance, ensuring quick, cost-effective valve repairs that reduce downtime and extend equipment lifespan with essential replacement parts.
• Universal Valve Rebuild Service AAR C5 certified valve rebuild and reconditioning service (certified since 2022) covering inspection, disassembly, cleaning, parts replacement/reconditioning, testing, and reinstallation of valves from various manufacturers. Includes an exchange program and 'send one, get one' approach to minimize downtime. Serves the rail industry and adjacent chemical processing and manufacturing sectors.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3.5-day average lead time vs. industry average
• +5 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

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Ameritrack RailminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmeritrack Rail is a full-service rail contractor providing engineering, design, new track construction, existing track maintenance, and 24/7 emergency service. Services customers throughout the Midwest from locations in Frankfort, IN and El Dorado, KS.
• EXSIF WorldwideminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEXSIF Worldwide, headquartered in Purchase, NY, is the world's leading tank container lessor with a fleet of over 70,000 tanks. The company has highly experienced teams strategically located in regional offices with comprehensive customer service infrastructure.
• PowerhouseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPowerhouse has the most comprehensive locomotive repair offerings in rail, including mobile locomotive repair teams, locomotive rebuild and repair shops, and LEAF Locomotives (eco-friendly).
• ProcorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProcor delivers measurable business benefits to rail shippers across various industries. Established in 1952, it has grown its fleet to 30,000+ railcars and has the largest footprint of AAR-certified repair shops in Canada.
• ProliumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProlium is an industry leader in above ground oil tank construction, repair, and maintenance, with experts in project management. Offers a full range of services across Canada.
• ProterraminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProterra specializes in cleaning above ground storage tanks, vessels, bullets, and towers for oil and gas companies across Canada. Uses custom-built equipment and highly skilled workers with safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible service.
• RailserveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRailserve is the leading provider of on-site rail services in North America, providing locomotives and trained personnel to safely and efficiently move railcars and materials within industrial, manufacturing, and production plants.
• TrackmobileminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrackmobile is the leading manufacturer of bi-modal railcar movers with more than 11,000 sold globally. Based in LaGrange, Georgia, the company created the railcar mover category in 1948.
• Transco Railway ProductsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTransco Railway Products is a strategically positioned network of modern repair facilities offering railcar repair, railcar parts, and railcar maintenance services, including freight and tank car maintenance, expert consultation, and parts fabrication.
• Uni-form Components Co.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUni-Form Components Co. is North America's leading manufacturer of heads, cylinders, and custom formed parts. The company boasts the most modern facility in the USA with extensive manufacturing capabilities, in-depth inventory, and a dedicated staff.
• UTLXcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUTLX owns the largest tank car fleet in North America, specializing in full-service leasing with a nationwide support infrastructure. Its manufacturing plant in Alexandria, Louisiana produces railcars for the North American tank car fleet. McKenzie Valve solved UTLX's steam jacketed valve supply issue with an innovative fast solution.
• ZephirminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerZephir has been the European leader in railroad shunting locotractors for over 50 years with the largest range of vehicles with the best performance in the world. Products include LOK, CRAB, KUBO, and LOK locotractors.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• KITZ Corporation: KITZ is a Japanese-headquartered industrial valve manufacturer with global presence across chemical, oil & gas, and building services; it is a comparable specialty valve manufacturer competing in many of the same end markets as McKenzie's broader product portfolio.
• GATX Corporation: GATX is one of the largest railcar lessors in North America with significant tank car fleet exposure and in-house maintenance; it is both a potential customer and adjacent peer operating in McKenzie's core rail tank car ecosystem.
• Mueller Industries: Mueller Industries manufactures copper, brass, aluminum, and plastic products including a meaningful portfolio of valves and fittings for industrial and plumbing applications — directly comparable in metal valve/fittings manufacturing and distribution model.
• Engineered Controls International (ECI): ECI / RegO is a long-established manufacturer of pressure regulator valves, relief valves, and fittings for rail tank cars, LPG, and cryogenic transport — directly comparable to McKenzie in product category, AAR certification scope, and customer base.
• Velan Inc. Velan is a manufacturer of industrial valves for severe and critical service applications including oil & gas, power, and chemicals; its product portfolio and customer mix (refineries, chemical processors, tank car adjacent) overlap with McKenzie's valve offerings.
• Midland Manufacturing (Amsted Rail): Midland Manufacturing, part of Amsted Rail, is a leading manufacturer of pressure relief valves, bottom outlet valves, and fittings for rail tank cars — the most direct competitor to McKenzie Valve in AAR-certified tank car components serving the same operator and repair shop customers.

Broad incumbents

• Flowserve Corporation: Flowserve is a large global industrial valve and pump manufacturer serving oil & gas, chemical, power, and rail-transport-adjacent markets; it competes with McKenzie on heavy-duty industrial valves and is a benchmark for scale-based competition in the segment.
• Crane Co. Crane Co.'s Engineered Materials segment includes a substantial industrial valve business serving chemical, energy, and general industrial customers; a broad incumbent with overlapping valve product lines and adjacent customer relationships.
• Greenbrier Companies: Greenbrier designs, manufactures, and leases railcars (including tank cars) and provides railcar aftermarket services; it sits in the same rail tank car value chain as McKenzie and overlaps on parts supply and maintenance services.
• Trinity Rail (Trinity Industries): Trinity Rail is a major North American railcar manufacturer and lessor with deep tank car exposure; it represents both an OEM customer for McKenzie's valves and an adjacent incumbent in the broader rail tank car supply ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/McKenzieValve

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 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 McKenzie Valve & Machining