A History Steeped in Innovation
The owner of the Sartell Paper Mill had a problem: pine pitch building up on valves in the pulp manufacturing process. He looked to an employee with a reputation for invention, Matt DeZurik to solve it. Matt realized that if the sealing face of the plug could immediately pull away from the seat upon opening, the plug would avoid damage from pitch build-up. He designed a valve with a segmented plug mounted on pivot bearings at each end of the shaft. The plug had a cam (eccentric) closure action against the raised body seat – a revolutionary development at that time.
The DeZURIK Eccentric Valve was introduced in 1932, and despite the economics of the Depression, paper manufacturers recognized its advantages and sent in their orders. This was the beginning of what would become Sartell Valves Inc.
From the development of the Eccentric Plug Valve, the DeZURIK product line expanded and diversified beyond the pulp and paper industries. The line branched out to offer effective solutions to worldwide industries such as water treatment and distribution; wastewater treatment; petroleum refining; chemical and petrochemical processing; power; mining; steel; air conditioning; food; and original equipment manufacturing. Today, Sartell Valves, Inc. still manufactures DeZURIK brand valves for the water treatment and wastewater industry, and Sartell Valves & Controls products for industrial application.
Growing With Our Industry
As the inventor of the eccentric plug valve concept, Sartell Valves Inc. currently produces the majority of eccentrics used in wastewater systems nationwide. Our present valve is the latest of a design that has been improved and expanded in response to changing industry requirements. The multi-port plug valve enjoys the same proven performance history, and AWWA Butterfly Valves have been a major part of our line for more than 20 years and now include options and sizes for virtually every water industry application.
Over the years, just as our product lines have evolved, so has our production process. Sartell Valves Inc. operates a modern plant equipped with up-to-date production equipment that is now devoted solely to the production of our valves and related products. An in-place and experienced work force is dedicated to producing quality products and on-time service. To improve utilization of those resources, new manufacturing, quality assurance and through-put programs are being implemented to assure current responsiveness and to prepare for the growth opportunities of the future. Our goal is a service oriented operating style that recognizes both market needs and the specific requirements of each individual order.
Sartell Valves, Inc. eagerly responds as new industries develop and existing industries progress. Our knowledgeable engineers are quick to respond with groundbreaking technological advances. All of our products assure durability and reliability. Through the years many things have changed, in our business and in our industry. But one thing that has never changed is our passion for innovation, commitment to quality and dedication to superior service.