Rotork

Rotork, UK ( Rotork ) is a market-leading supplier of flow control solutions for oil and gas, water and wastewater, power, chemical, process and industrial applications. Through our innovative research and development, comprehensive product portfolio and global service capabilities, we help customers improve operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact and provide safer work environments.

our market

Petroleum and natural gas

Rotork products are designed for use in virtually all upstream, midstream and downstream activities, from offshore production, pipelines and storage facilities, through to distribution and transportation of finished products via pipelines or vessels.

water power

Customers around the world rely on Rotork to provide innovative, high-quality and reliable solutions to manage liquid and gas flows in water and power markets. Our products are reliable and robust, helping to increase power generation efficiency and improve control of "state-of-the-art" water and wastewater treatment plants.

Chemistry, Process and Industry (CPI)

Our products help maximize process efficiency and reduce waste and are used in a variety of industries, including industrial and clean process solutions. We provide specially tailored solutions for the chemical industry, as well as technologically advanced equipment ideally suited for use for factory processes, production and medical environments.

China business

Rotork Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

company's history

2020s

On 1 January 2020, Rotork entered a new market structure. We have previously worked in four areas; Rotork Controls, Rotork Instruments, Rotork Gear and Rotork Fluid Systems. Moving to new structures in Oil & Gas, Hydro & Power, and Chemicals, Process & Industrial (CPI) allows us to focus on strategic relationships with our customers, directly meeting their needs.

Rotork's service structure has undergone significant changes with the launch of Lifetime Management, a suite of services within Rotork Field Services that help customers manage the risks associated with aging assets and support reliable operations that are always available and up-to-date. In January 2021, Intelligent Asset Management, a cloud-based asset management system launched that uses advanced condition monitoring and analytics to reduce unplanned downtime. In early 2022, Rotork extended backwards compatibility of IQ3 actuators to the 1960s with the launch of the IQ3 SET. This manages obsolescence issues by replacing legacy actuators with the latest smart actuator platforms.

2010s

Instrumentation and control solutions were expanded with six new acquisitions in 2011 alone.

New ideas and innovations continue. In 2012, Rotork launched the IQ3, the industry’s most powerful actuator, delivering exceptional reliability. In 2015, the CK series of stockable modular electric valve actuators was launched. In 2019, the Rotork master station came online; it can operate up to 240 actuators in a single loop in a smart control center through a simple and easy-to-use interface.

Rotork continues to grow. We are always innovating to drive progress and support our customers, delivering pioneering, high-quality and reliable solutions for managing the flow of liquids, gases and solids across a variety of industries and markets.

2000s

The new millennium began with the Shanghai office and the launch of the IQ Mk2 – a non-intrusive smart multi-turn actuator. Rotork Malaysia Manufacturing was established in 2002, following a sales company established in the region seven years earlier. New offices opened in China, Germany, Japan, Brazil and the Middle East.

A number of acquisitions during this period helped drive Rotork's flow control products and services into new markets. These acquisitions include UK-based Skilmatic (developing innovative electro-hydraulic fail-safe actuators), Italy-based Omag (entering the strategic valve manufacturing industry in Italy) and Sweden-based Remote Control (expanding Rotork's pneumatic products offering actuators and control systems).

1990s

International growth accelerated in the 1990s. Rotork was founded in the Netherlands in 1991, followed by Rotork Hong Kong and Venezuela in 1993, Rotork Beijing in 1995, Rotork Malaysia Sales Company and Rotork Thailand in 1997, Rotork Moscow in 1998 and Rotork Japan in 1999. . As part of these expansions, Rotork has subsidiaries in 18 countries around the world. In 1999, Rotork acquired the Italian company Fluid Systems Srl, which opened the door to the fluid power actuator industry. Further investment in Rotork's gear division began in 1993 with the completion of the acquisition of gearbox company Exeeco.

1992 saw major innovation with the launch of the IQ range. IQ Range electric actuators can be commissioned without removing any electrical covers, allowing commissioning in wet or hazardous areas.

1980s

Expansion into new areas continued into the 1980s. New offices opened in Canada, Spain, Singapore, South Korea and Australia, making Rotork one of the largest companies in industrial flow control.

In 1983, the A Range 1600 Series was introduced; it was the first Syncropak actuator with electronic control circuitry. This was followed in 1985 by the AQ Series, a quarter-turn actuator compatible with the A-Series 1600 Series. In 1986, Pakscan, the first dedicated bus control system for actuators, was released.

1970s

One of Rotork's major developments in the 1970s was the development of the double O-ring seal. This is an innovative and revolutionary idea that prevents water from entering the actuator. The idea came from a trip to the Middle East by Rotork founder Jeremy Fry; he noticed moisture forming inside the actuators because temperatures were very high during the day and very low at night. The design inspired by this adds an extra layer of sealing to protect the internal circuitry in a way that a single layer of sealing cannot. It is still used today.

In 1971, Rotork Italy was founded, further strengthening our position in the European market. The joint venture with Best & Crompton India brings new opportunities. By the end of the decade, Rotork had offices in Germany and India, and the acquisition of US company Evans helped further expand the Rotork brand in North America.

1960s

The 1960s began with the founding of Rotork France and the introduction of the A Range Syncropak; a multi-turn actuator with a standard control circuit. The contract with France's Atomic Energy Agency helps cement Rotork as a major force as a contractor and valve manufacturer in Europe and the United States.

1961 Brassmill Lane manufacturing plant built in Bath, UK. This remains Rotork's headquarters today. Development continued in the second half of the decade, including: the formation of Rotork Inc. in Babylon, USA in 1967; a licensing agreement with Shimadzu; the conversion from a private to a public limited company in 1968; and the acquisition of ElectroPower Gears in 1969.

Rotork was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1968 as Rotork Controls Ltd.

1950s

Rotork Engineering Company Ltd started trading in 1957, launching our first actuator; the 100A. 1959 saw the release of the 100A Mk2, which enhanced the design and electrically opened valves that would have otherwise required manual operation. During these formative years, Rotork began to receive orders from Kuwait Petroleum Company, which led to contracts with a number of Esso's refineries and a large order from Shell.

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