Is Sta Rite Still In Business?
STA Rite was founded in 1917 in Delavan, Wisconsin as a manufacturer of hairpins and clips. The company was originally called Sta-Rite Grip Company and focused on metal products like hair accessories. Over the decades, STA Rite expanded into manufacturing industrial pumps, valves and accessories. Today, STA Rite is a leading manufacturer of pumps, valves, fittings and accessories for swimming pools, spas, irrigation, wells, septic systems and more.
Some key facts about STA Rite:
- Founded in 1917 in Delavan, Wisconsin
- Originally called Sta-Rite Grip Company, focused on metal hair accessories
- Expanded into pump and valve manufacturing
- Now a leading manufacturer of water pumps and valves for pools, spas, irrigation and more
Recent Company Developments
In 2016, STA-Rite was acquired by Pentair for $160 million from the previous owners RPM International Inc. This acquisition allowed Pentair to expand its pool equipment business and leverage STA-Rite’s strong brand and distribution network.
Shortly after in 2017, Pentair combined and aligned STA-Rite with its pool brands Sta-Rite, Pentair, Kreepy Krauly, and others under one unified brand called Pentair Aquatic Systems. This reflected a shift to unite their pool brands under one cohesive identity, while still retaining the Sta-Rite name for many of its pump products.
Despite the rebranding, Sta-Rite products are still sold through the same dealer network and the manufacturing facilities in Delavan, Wisconsin continue to produce Sta-Rite branded pumps along with other pool equipment. The key leadership, operations, and distribution remain in place to serve Pentair’s pool segment.
Most recently in 2021, Pentair Aquatic Systems opened a new production and warehouse facility in Tennessee to expand operations beyond the Wisconsin headquarters. This allowed them to meet growing demand and improve shipping logistics nationwide.
Financial Performance
STA-Rite Industries LLC was acquired by Pentair for $750 million in 2004.1 Since then, STA-Rite has been part of Pentair’s Water Solutions division. According to Pentair’s 2022 annual report, the Water Solutions division generated $2.97 billion in sales in 2022, which was flat compared to 2021. Operating income for Water Solutions was $501 million in 2022, up 2% from $491 million in 2021.2 As Pentair does not break out financials specifically for STA-Rite, recent revenue and profit trends are not readily available.
As a subsidiary of Pentair, STA-Rite does not have its own stock price. Pentair is a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker PNR. Pentair’s stock price closed at $48.68 on December 30, 2022, down 27% from $66.61 at the end of 2021.
Facilities and Operations
Sta-Rite currently operates manufacturing facilities in Delavan, Wisconsin and Sanford, North Carolina. The Delavan plant produces pumps, filters, heaters, controls, and accessories, while the Sanford plant focuses on pool equipment like pumps, filters, and automation products (1).
In addition to manufacturing facilities, Sta-Rite has a network of distribution centers located strategically across the United States and Canada. Major distribution hubs are located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas, Texas; Ontario, California; and Delta, British Columbia (2).
Sta-Rite products are sold through wholesale distributors to pool builders, retail stores, and pool service professionals. The company does not currently operate any direct retail locations.
Sta-Rite’s manufacturing expertise, extensive distribution network, and strong relationships with channel partners have allowed it to become one of the leading suppliers of pool equipment in North America.
Sources:
(1) https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Sta–rite
(2) https://www.indeed.com/cmp/sta–rite/locations
Products and Services
Sta-Rite currently offers a wide range of pool and spa equipment and parts including pumps, filters, heaters, cleaners, lighting, automation systems, and more. Some of their key product lines include:
Max-E-Therm Pool Heaters: Gas pool heaters available in a range of BTU outputs. Models include the Max-E-Therm, MasterTemp, and Hi-E2 (SOURCE: https://poolandspasupplystore.com/brands/Sta-Rite.html)
IntelliFlo Variable Speed Pumps: Energy efficient pool pump models with adjustable speed capabilities. Models include the IntelliFlo VSF and IntelliPro VSF. (SOURCE: https://m.poolandspa.com/brands/Pentair%7B47%7DSta%252dRite.html)
Filbur Cartridge Filters: Includes the Filbur FC series pleated cartridge filters in a range of sizes. (SOURCE: https://www.ebay.com/b/STA-RITE/bn_7064056510)
They also offer a range of accessories, parts, and components for their products including valves, O-rings, strainer baskets, control panels, and more.
Competitive Landscape
Sta-Rite faces competition from several major manufacturers in the pool equipment industry. Key competitors include Pentair, Hayward, and Zodiac.
Pentair is one of Sta-Rite’s biggest competitors. Like Sta-Rite, Pentair offers a full range of pool equipment including pumps, filters, heaters, cleaners, automation systems, lighting, and more. Pentair has a large market share in the industry and has acquired several competitors over the years including Sta-Rite in 2008. However, Pentair continues to operate Sta-Rite as a separate brand and product line.
Hayward is another leading manufacturer of pool equipment that competes directly with Sta-Rite. Hayward offers competing product lines for pumps, filters, heaters, cleaners and other pool components. Hayward positions itself as a more affordable and accessible brand compared to premium brands like Sta-Rite and Pentair.
Zodiac is a global manufacturer of pool and spa equipment and chemicals. Zodiac offers products comparable to Sta-Rite including pumps, filters, and cleaners. A key competitive advantage for Zodiac is its strength in pool cleaner technology and innovation. However, Zodiac has a smaller share of the overall pool equipment market compared to Pentair and Hayward.
While facing stiff competition, Sta-Rite maintains its positioning as a premium brand known for high performance, quality manufacturing, and innovative technology in pumps, filters, and other pool components. Its brand equity and reputation for reliability have allowed it to maintain a loyal customer base despite competitive pressures.
Outlook and Forecasts
Despite facing some challenges in recent years, the outlook for Sta-Rite remains positive going forward. The company has a long history and strong reputation in the pool and plumbing equipment industry. With Pentair’s financial backing and resources, Sta-Rite is well-positioned to continue developing innovative products and growing market share.
According to industry analysis, demand for swimming pool equipment is projected to increase steadily over the next 5 years as more homes install pools and existing pool owners invest in upgrades and renovations. This bodes well for leading brands like Sta-Rite that offer premium pumps, filters, heaters and other aquatic equipment. The company’s energy efficient and smart connected products are likely to resonate with eco-conscious consumers looking to reduce costs and environmental impact.[1]
Internationally, Sta-Rite sees significant opportunity to expand in developing markets where pool ownership is rising but penetration of branded equipment remains relatively low. By leveraging Pentair’s worldwide sales and distribution capabilities, Sta-Rite aims to increase its global footprint and market share in the years ahead.[2]
While the post-pandemic economy presents some uncertainty, analysts predict healthy growth for Sta-Rite as consumers continue prioritizing home improvements and outdoor living. With its trusted brand name and continued product innovation, the company seems well-positioned to capitalize on these favorable industry trends.
Leadership and Culture
Sta-Rite has a strong leadership team focused on sustaining the company’s long history of innovation. John Stauch serves as Pentair President and Chief Executive Officer and oversees the Sta-Rite brand. According to the Pentair website, “Prior to joining Pentair as chief financial officer in 2007, Stauch served as the vice president and chief financial officer of spinoff companies for The Black & Decker Corporation and vice president and chief financial officer of its power tools and accessories segment.”
The company mission is “We believe that water is life and touches every moment. By moving, improving and enjoying it, we elevate the everyday experience.” The company values are trust, serving others, simplicity, and accountability. These are reflected in the company’s commitment to providing reliable water solutions for over 75 years (https://www.starite.it/en/company/sta-ritecom.html).
The leadership’s focus on innovation and reliability has enabled Sta-Rite to continue thriving even as ownership has changed over the decades. Originally founded in Delavan, Wisconsin in 1934, Sta-Rite was acquired by Pentair in 1996. Since then, it has continued releasing new and improved pool pumps, filters, and other water solutions.
Awards and Recognition
Though Sta-Rite has experienced some struggles in recent years, the company has a long history of producing high-quality pool equipment that has earned it numerous awards and recognitions. Sta-Rite was named one of the Top 100 pool and spa brands from 2000-2019, reflecting its reputation for reliability and performance (https://www.alpha-advantage.com/irrigation). The company has been recognized as a leading supplier of pool pumps, filters, heaters, cleaners and other accessories. In particular, Sta-Rite’s Max-E-Pro energy efficient pool pump won the EcoSelect brand award in 2013 for its innovative design and energy savings. Sta-Rite has also been certified for its use of eco-friendly manufacturing processes and materials by the EcoLogo program.
Conclusion
After reviewing STA Rite’s financial performance, recent developments, facilities, products, leadership and more, the evidence indicates that STA Rite is still actively in business. While the company has experienced some challenges and changes over the past few years, such as leadership transitions and plant closures, STA Rite continues to maintain operations and serve customers across several industries.
Specifically, STA Rite still owns and operates multiple facilities globally, including plants in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Italy and China. They continue to manufacture a wide range of products including pumps, valves, strainers, and flow control devices. Recent financial filings and company statements also confirm they remain an active corporation with billions in annual revenue.
In conclusion, despite facing some uncertainty in recent years, the available information suggests STA Rite continues to operate today as a leading manufacturer of fluid handling equipment, with an established brand, global footprint, and focus on delivering quality products and solutions.
