Fill-Rite Company - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

Fill-Rite Company, an industry leader with a heritage dating back to Ossian Engineering Company and formerly Tuthill Transfer Systems, is a prominent manufacturer of high-performance fuel and chemical transfer pumps, meters, and accessories. Acquired by The Gorman-Rupp Company in 2022, Fill-Rite has established itself as the "gold standard" for rugged, durable, and reliable fuel transfer equipment for over 60 years. The company's mission is rooted in product quality and technological leadership, striving to deliver superior products that consistently perform in demanding conditions. Fill-Rite plays a crucial role in vital sectors such as agriculture, construction, fleet management, and mining, providing essential fluid handling solutions manufactured primarily in the United States.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

Fill-Rite's central objectives revolve around maintaining its position as a leader in product quality and technological innovation within the fuel and chemical transfer industry. The company is committed to continuous improvement in products, processes, and personnel to exceed customer expectations. A key goal is to engineer and build pumps that deliver unwavering reliability and performance across all conditions.

Specialization Areas

Fill-Rite specializes in providing dependable and long-lasting equipment for fluid handling in demanding industrial and commercial applications. Their expertise encompasses:
Manufacturing high-performance fuel and chemical transfer pumps.
Developing precision meters and a comprehensive range of accessories.
Creating robust fuel management systems for tracking and security.
Designing products with advanced features like rotary vane technology for consistent flow.

Target Markets

Fill-Rite targets critical industries that rely on efficient and reliable fluid transfer. Primary market segments include:
Agriculture
Construction
Fleet Management
Municipalities
Logging
Mining
The company's market positioning emphasizes providing durable and high-performing equipment essential for these demanding sectors.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

On May 31, 2022, Fill-Rite Company and its sister brand Sotera were acquired by The Gorman-Rupp Company (NYSE: GRC) for a purchase price of $525 million. After factoring in approximately $80 million in expected tax benefits, the effective net transaction value was approximately $445 million. The acquisition was financed by Gorman-Rupp using a combination of cash on-hand and new debt, which included a $350 million term loan, a $90 million unsecured subordinated term loan, and a $100 million revolving credit facility.

For the 12 months concluded on March 31, 2022, Fill-Rite generated approximately $140 million in revenue and reported an adjusted EBITDA of approximately $34.5 million, translating to an adjusted EBITDA margin of 25%. While some independent estimates suggest Fill-Rite’s annual revenue is around $65.8 million, with an estimated revenue per employee of $526,680, these figures may vary based on reporting periods and calculation methodologies post-acquisition. The acquisition was projected to be accretive to Gorman-Rupp's organic growth, gross margins, and EBITDA margins, with double-digit percentage accretion anticipated in 2023.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

Fill-Rite offers a comprehensive portfolio of products engineered for diverse fuel and chemical transfer needs:

Fuel Transfer Pumps:
FR series: Heavy-duty, 15-25 GPM, 115V-230V AC for stationary applications. Known for reliability in diverse environments.
NX series: Continuous-duty, 25 GPM, 120V AC, and 12-24V DC versions (NX25-DDC) for sustained operation. Features "nextec Intelligence™" for enhanced performance.
RD series: Portable, 8 GPM, 12V DC for mobile applications requiring convenience.
FuelTraveller and PetroleumPro Series: Designed for bulk transfer of refined petroleum products.
Hand Pumps: Manually operated pumps for situations where power is unavailable or for smaller transfer volumes.
Development Stage: All listed products are mature and actively sold, with continuous innovation cycles for feature enhancements.
Target Market/Condition: Agriculture, construction, mining, fleet management, municipalities, and general commercial refueling, addressing both mobile and stationary fueling requirements.
Key Features/Benefits: Robust construction (cast-aluminum, cast-iron), rotary vane design for consistent flow, explosion-proof housings, UL and cUL listing for safety, and broad voltage/flow rate options.

Fuel Management Systems (FMS):
Product Name: Fill-Rite FMS.
Description: An integrated system for tracking fuel usage, enhancing security, and providing real-time data on inventory and transactions. It includes on-site hardware, cloud-based software, and a mobile application.
Development Stage: Actively deployed and undergoing continuous feature enhancements, including integration with platforms like FuelCloud.
Target Market/Condition: Organizations managing private fuel depots, fleets, and construction sites seeking to optimize fuel costs, prevent theft, and improve operational efficiency.
Key Features/Benefits: Real-time insights, user authorization features, tank security, easy installation, intuitive interface, and detailed reporting.

Accessories:
Hoses, Meters, Nozzles, Filters, Swivels: A full range of complementary components allowing for customizable and complete fuel-transfer setups.
TankDefender™ accessory: Specifically designed to reduce stress on bung welds for H-Series pumps, extending tank life and preventing leaks.
Development Stage: Continuous product refinement and expansion to meet evolving industry needs.
Target Market/Condition: All users of Fill-Rite pumps to create complete, safe, and efficient fluid transfer systems.
Key Features/Benefits: Enhances system functionality, safety, and longevity; provides flexibility in system configuration.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

Fill-Rite is recognized for its innovative and robust approach to fuel transfer technology, focusing on durability, safety, and efficiency.
Core Platforms and Technologies: Fill-Rite pumps predominantly utilize a rotary vane design. This patented technology differentiates from gear drives by ensuring consistent fuel flow over time, even as the bronze vanes experience wear, by allowing them to slide further out of slots in the rotor.
Proprietary Developments:
nextec Intelligence™: An exclusive suite of design advancements, technologies, and user functionalities integrated into continuous-duty pumps.
Intelligent Tones™: Found in some continuous-duty pumps, these audible cues indicate when the pump requires attention.
Variable Speed Motor: Featured in certain pumps, this technology automatically adjusts motor speed for peak performance and improved suction lift.
Continuous Operation Technology: Proprietary systems for AC pumps designed to ensure uninterrupted operation, crucial for critical job sites.
Auto Power-Down and Magnetic Switches: Features that enhance safety and ease of maintenance; pumps can auto power-down after 20 minutes of inactivity, and magnetic switches simplify field replacement.
Scientific Methodologies: Emphasizes robust construction using materials like cast-aluminum and cast-iron for durability and corrosion resistance. Designs incorporate explosion-proof housings to meet stringent safety standards.
Technical Capabilities: Extensive expertise in engineering pumps that are UL and cUL listed, signifying adherence to high safety and quality benchmarks. The company also holds multiple utility and design patents across its product range, including for pump assemblies, digital fuel meters, specific nozzle designs, and its Fuel Management System. Recent utility patents include U.S. Patent 11346353 for Fluid Pump Assemblies related to the NX25 Series, issued May 31, 2022, expiring July 28, 2038.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Fill-Rite's leadership is composed of experienced professionals, operating as a division of The Gorman-Rupp Company.
Rick Wiedemann: President.
Graham Glander: Vice President Global Sales & Marketing. Responsible for leading global sales strategies and brand messaging.
Stephen Hakel: Director of Strategic Sourcing & Fulfillment. Oversees supply chain and logistics to ensure efficient production and delivery.
Michael Truelove: Director of Product Management. Guides the product roadmap and portfolio development.
Aaron Johnson: Director of Engineering. Leads the engineering and innovation efforts for new and existing products.
Enrique Loperena: Regional Director, Fill-Rite International Sales (based in Monterrey, Mexico). Manages international operations, sales, business development, and channel management.
Arnoldo Valdez: Regional Sales Manager for Mexico and Brazil (based in Monterrey, Mexico). Focuses on sales, channel management, OEM projects, and technical support in these key regions.
Javier Infanzon: Regional Sales Manager for Central-South America and the Caribbean (based in Mexico City, Mexico). Responsible for sales, business development, and support across his assigned territories.

Recent Leadership Changes

The most significant leadership change for Fill-Rite occurred in 2022 when the company, along with the Sotera brands, was acquired by The Gorman-Rupp Company. This acquisition integrated Fill-Rite into a larger corporate structure, while maintaining its distinct operational identity under new ownership.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

Hiring Trends and Workforce

Fill-Rite maintains manufacturing facilities in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a long-standing hub for its pump production, and in Lenexa, Kansas, which opened in 2020 to boost production capacity. The company currently shows varying employee counts across different platforms, with estimates ranging from approximately 35 to 125 employees, and another indication of around 43 employees. Over the past year, the company reportedly experienced a 5% growth in its workforce. As of December 2025, the estimated average annual salary for Fill-Rite employees in the United States is $88,055. The company's supply chain is notably 95% U.S. based, contributing to robust operational stability and reduced risks of disruption.

Company Growth Trajectory Indicators

The acquisition by The Gorman-Rupp Company in 2022 was strategically important, with expectations for it to be accretive to Gorman-Rupp's organic growth, gross margins, and EBITDA margins. Double-digit percentage accretion was anticipated for Gorman-Rupp in 2023 following the merger. The combined capabilities of Gorman-Rupp and Fill-Rite were projected to elevate Gorman-Rupp's annual revenues to over $500 million.

7. Social Media Presence and Engagement

Digital Footprint

Fill-Rite maintains a strong and active digital presence across multiple social media platforms to engage with its target audience and promote its brand message.
Platforms: The company is active on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
Brand Messaging: Consistent messaging across platforms emphasizes core brand values: "rugged durability," "reliable performance," and the proud "Made in USA" distinction of its products.
YouTube Channel: With over 1.05K subscribers, the YouTube channel hosts hundreds of videos, including detailed product overviews, practical training sessions on fuel transfer equipment, and demonstrations highlighting product durability and features.
Community Engagement Strategies: Social media is used to share product news, application success stories, and engage with users through comments and interactions.
Thought Leadership Initiatives: The company subtly positions itself as a thought leader through educational content, product explanations, and comparisons that highlight its technological advantages.
Customer Support & Resources: Digital channels are also leveraged to direct customers to technical resources and support, reinforcing the brand's commitment to service.

8. Recognition and Awards

Industry Recognition

Fill-Rite's dedication to quality, safety, and performance is reflected in several key recognitions:
Safety Certifications: Many Fill-Rite products are UL and cUL listed, signifying adherence to rigorous safety standards established in North America.
Quality Management: The company aligns with ISO 9001:2015 standards, indicating a commitment to quality management systems in its operations and manufacturing processes.
Warranty Program: Fill-Rite demonstrates confidence in its product durability by offering a 2-year warranty on pumps and components, and a limited lifetime warranty on pump casings for most models. This robust warranty program is a testament to the longevity and reliability expected from their products.

9. Competitive Analysis

Major Competitors

The fuel transfer pump market is competitive, featuring several established players. Fill-Rite differentiates itself through its focus on heavy-duty, continuous-duty performance, and the "Made in USA" aspect. Key competitors include:
GPI (Great Plains Industries): A prominent player offering a range of fuel transfer pumps and meters, often competing on breadth of product and market presence.
Piusi: Known for a wide array of fuel transfer solutions, including those with diverse voltage options and capabilities for handling Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Piusi has a strong presence in various market segments.
Graco: Manufactures a variety of fluid handling equipment, including pumps for different applications, known for industrial strength solutions.
Tuthill: The former parent company of Fill-Rite, Tuthill continues to operate in fluid transfer, offering a range of pumps and systems.
Aro: A brand under Ingersoll Rand, providing fluid handling products including pumps for industrial applications.
Bennett Pump: Focuses on fuel dispensing equipment, often found in retail and commercial fueling stations.
Koshin: A Japanese manufacturer known for a range of pumps, including those for fuel and oil transfer.
* Seko, Keen Pump, ProMinent, LEWA: These companies generally specialize in chemical dosing or industrial pumps, offering solutions that may overlap with Fill-Rite's chemical transfer segment, particularly those requiring precision and durability.

Fill-Rite, Piusi, and GPI are often recognized as dominant brands in the general fuel transfer