Founded in 1884 as the Reliance Gauge Column Company, Clark-Reliance ® has a long and rich history that abounds with innovation. It all began with what would be the company’s first breakthrough product a low water alarm for boiler operators. Using floats attached to a steam whistle, this revolutionary device would sound an alarm when water conditions became unsafe. Although the first, this is just one of the many pioneering products the forward-thinking engineers at Clark-Reliance have developed throughout the years.
Consistently on the forefront of technological progress, Reliance Gauge was also the first company to offer remote water gauges. The company received the ultimate validation of this product’s excellence during World War II when Reliance Gauge was called on to supply the U. S. Navy with all of its remote water gauges. Subsequently, to acknowledge Reliance Gauge’s outstanding efforts in this capacity, the U.S. Navy recognized the company with the prestigious Navy “E” Award.
As Reliance Gauge moved into the future, a number of other significant milestones and achievements also became a part of its impressive history. In 1962, Harry E. Figgie Jr., a Cleveland industrialist, acquired Clark Manufacturing Company. Founded in 1908, the company was well known as a leading supplier of steam traps, strainers, regulators and steam separators. Though their product offerings were quite different, Reliance Gauge and Clark Manufacturing shared a similar reputation for excellence and incredible growth potential. Ultimately, on February 19, 1963, Clark Manufacturing and Reliance Gauge Column were merged into one company: The Clark-Reliance Company. Despite the significant changes the company has undergone since it was founded over 100 years ago, Clark-Reliance remains a leader in innovation today.
