VERSA | OUR STORY

Company History

A history built on reliability, engineering expertise, and customer dedication.

Since 1948, VERSA has been engineering valve solutions that perform where others fail—shaped by a legacy of innovation, grit, and unwavering dedication to quality.

1940's

VERSA Founder and first buildingVERSA Founder and first building
A Vision Forged in a Garage

VERSA began not with a factory, but with a dream. In 1948, Carl Carlson—an engineer, innovator, and first-generation American—joined forces with Karl Larsson, Howard Meyer, and the Engstrom family to launch a company out of a garage in Queens, NY. With a shoestring budget, secondhand machinery, and tireless dedication, the team laid the groundwork for what would become an enduring legacy. In 1949, VERSA was officially incorporated.

1950- VERSA Growth1950- VERSA Growth
Grit, Growth, and Our First Big Break

In the beginning, VERSA’s founders juggled full-time jobs by day and built their vision by night. Their dedication paid off when VERSA opened its first manufacturing facility in Brooklyn, NY. The launch of the V Series ¼” brass valve marked our official entry into the market—offering a rugged, high-performance solution that quickly earned a reputation for reliability. Then came a stroke of good fortune: when a major competitor dissolved its distributor network, VERSA seized the moment—signing seven top-tier distributors and igniting nationwide growth.

1950's

1960's

1960- VERSA's Buildings1960- VERSA's Buildings
Expanding Horizons

By the 1960s, VERSA had outgrown its Brooklyn roots and moved into a 12,500 sq. ft. facility in Englewood, NJ—later expanded to 25,000 sq. ft. International growth began with a satellite facility in Apeldoorn, Netherlands. Founder Carl Carlson secured several key patents, including groundbreaking designs for solenoid and multi-channel valves. This era also saw the launch of major product lines, including the A Series, L Series, B Series, and E Series Solenoids.

1970's VERSA's Training1970's VERSA's Training
Innovation Meets Education

With innovation came education. In the 1970s, VERSA introduced the Self Teacher – a training tool designed to empower distributors and customers through hands-on learning. Patents continued to follow, including a key breakthrough for the pressure-actuated spool valve. New product launches like the K Series and corrosion-resistant V-316 valves reinforced our focus on solving real-world challenges. This decade firmly established training and technical excellence as cornerstones of the VERSA way.

1970's

1980's

VERSA History- 1980'sVERSA History- 1980's
Building for the Future

To keep pace with growing demand, VERSA moved into a new 53,000 sq. ft. global headquarters in Paramus, NJ. This decade marked the launch of the VIP program—VERSA’s 24-hour valve shipping service—pioneering speed and customer focus long before it was standard. Innovation stayed strong with the launch of the Namur, B-316, C, and E5 Series valves.

1990's- Quality as a Core Value1990's- Quality as a Core Value
Quality as a Core Value

VERSA adopted Lean Manufacturing principles and earned ISO 9001 certification in 1994—proof of its commitment to quality and continuous improvement. The H Series valve debuted, and delivery times improved—reinforcing a reputation for operational excellence.

1990's

2000's

2000's- Engineering in the Digital Era2000's- Engineering in the Digital Era
Engineering in the Digital Era

VERSA embraced the future by transitioning from blueprints to digital engineering—unlocking a new era of innovation. Patents followed for our VMAP and CMAP product lines, alongside the launch of Air Prep and the C-316 Series valves. In 2009, we were honored as an Energy Champion by the U.S. Department of Energy, recognizing our commitment to sustainability and smart design.

2010-Innovation Meets Sustainability2010-Innovation Meets Sustainability
Innovation Meets Sustainability

VERSA advanced its sustainability efforts by installing solar panels that now generate 25% of our electricity annually. Innovation continued with patents for the CMAP 3-way ¼” regulatory valve and a new flow control valve design. We expanded our product portfolio with the World Solenoid, D-316 Series, and pressure sensors. In 2015, VERSA was honored as NJ Manufacturer of the Year by NJMEP, recognizing our leadership in engineering and manufacturing excellence.

2010's

2020's

Resilient. Evolving. Ready.

As the world navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, VERSA remained agile and dependable. We unveiled a refreshed brand identity anchored in our promise of “Real World Reliability.” VERSA School was relaunched to educate the next generation, and we introduced Real World Reliability packaged solutions to meet evolving customer needs. In 2023, our efforts were recognized with the NJBIA Manufacturing Award.

Rooted in Values

At VERSA, our story is built on more than valves—it’s built on values. We believe in lasting partnerships, shared success, and doing right by our people and our customers.

Today, with over 75 years of proven reliability, VERSA continues to innovate with purpose, engineer with precision, and build trust with every valve we make.

Today & Tomorrow

Learn More About VERSA

About VERSA

Since 1948, VERSA has delivered reliable solenoid, pilot, and manual valves for demanding industries worldwide.

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Careers

Join A Team That’s Field Proven.  People Driven. Explore our open positions and apply today!

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VERSA Team

We believe the strength in VERSA is derived from the talents, ideas and experiences of our people.

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VERSA in Action

Check out the lastest company news!

  • E8Z Series Direct Acting Solenoid Valves

    E8Z Series Direct-Acting Solenoid Valves

    VERSA is pleased to introduce the new E8Z Series, a compact direct-acting solenoid valve designed for applications where space constraints, dependable operation, and configuration flexibility are critical.

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  • VERSA M12 Connection

    VERSA C8 Operators Now Available with M12 Connection

    VERSA has expanded the C8 operator offering to include an M12 connection option. This addition gives you a compact, dependable electrical interface well suited for today’s industrial and automation applications.

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  • VERSA Food Drive

    VERSA Supports the Community FoodBank of New Jersey

    VERSA is proud to support the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), a leading nonprofit organization working to address food insecurity across New Jersey and beyond.

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  • Image of VERSA Website

    New VERSA Website is now Live!

    Our redesigned website, versa-valves.com, is now live and built to help you find what you need faster. The site features clearer navigation, advanced search and filtering, and a new “Explore and Shop the Series” section that allows you to compare nearly 28,000 part numbers with complete specifications. Product pages now include improved visuals, detailed technical information, and organized documentation. With mobile-friendly performance and ADA-aligned accessibility updates, the new site supports a more efficient and inclusive user experience—reflecting our continued commitment to Real World Reliability. Explore the new site today.

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  • VERSA Dust Excluders

    Redesigned Dust Excluders

    VERSA is excited to introduce the redesigned DE-3 ¼” NPT Dust Excluders—a compact, cost-effective solution engineered to extend valve life and reduce total operating costs.

    The updated compact design provides greater installation flexibility while maintaining the same trusted performance. The ¼” DE-3 dust excluders now offer interference-free fit on all ¼” valve series without requiring additional fittings or extensions.

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  • VERSA C8P IP67

    VERSA C8P Operators Now with Enhanced IP67 Protection

    VERSA Simplifies the C8P Operators Series with Enhanced IP67 Protection!
    All models now come with an IP67 rating. This upgrade delivers superior protection, ensuring complete defense against dust and water immersion.

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  • VERSA ISO Plate

    VERSA ISO Plate Mounting Solutions

    VERSA now offers ISO 5599-compliant mounting plates that eliminate custom brackets and simplify valve integration. Our ISO 1 and ISO 2 plates fit the C7 series, while a new valve body with C9 internals ensures compatibility with ISO 3. These rugged, modular solutions speed installation, maintain precise alignment, and deliver reliable performance in tough environments.

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  • VERSA Introduces  C-316 Stainless Steel Manifolds

    VERSA Introduces C-316 Stainless Steel Manifolds

    VERSA now offers C-316 stainless steel valve manifolds engineered for compact, high-performance pneumatic control in aerospace, oil and gas, and hygienic processing environments. These modular systems reduce leak paths, simplify layout and diagnostics, and deliver long-term reliability even in corrosive or washdown conditions. With up to five stations, a 10-year warranty, and fast delivery, the C-316 manifold line delivers versatile, cost-efficient control for demanding applications.

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  • New Director of Global Sales

    New Sales Leadership at VERSA -Welcome Rob Lindquist!

    VERSA is pleased to welcome Rob Lindquist as our new Director of Global Sales, based in Paramus, NJ. Rob brings deep expertise in sales, product management, and process automation across solenoid valves, measurement technologies, and fluid control components for heavy industrial applications. He will lead VERSA’s global Sales team, strengthening partnerships and driving strategies that support our customers, distributors, and long-term growth.

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  • Valve World Americas 2025

    VERSA Exhibits at Valve World Americas

    VERSA exhibited at Valve World Americas 2025 in Houston, showcasing reliable valve automation solutions engineered to perform in the most demanding environments. Visitors explored VERSA’s proven product technologies, each rigorously tested and backed by a 10-year warranty. As the industry’s premier event, Valve World Americas continues to bring leaders together to advance next-generation flow control solutions.

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  • Introducing the XC8 Solenoid for Hazardous Locations

    Introducing the XC8 Solenoid for Hazardous Locations

    VERSA’s new XC8 Solenoid is engineered for Class I, Division I Groups A & B hazardous locations and built for reliable performance from -40°F to 140°F. This compact, continuous-duty operator features an IP67 polymer housing with 36” wire leads and is available across VERSA’s C, B-316, C-316, E5SM, V&T, and V-316 Series valves. Ideal for demanding environments in oil and gas, chemical, and power industries.

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  • VERSA ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES

    VERSA Announces Leadership Changes To Support Strategic Growth

    VERSA is pleased to announce strategic changes to its leadership team. These changes underscore VERSA's unwavering commitment to driving growth, fostering innovation, and maintaining its reputation for delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer satisfaction. Rob Healey Promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO); Gus Badia Expands Role as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

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  • Increased Pressure Ratings for VERSA C5 and C7 Valves

    Increased Pressure Ratings for VERSA C5 and C7 Valves

    We’re pleased to announce that our C5 NAMUR and C7 Side-Ported Valves now feature an upgraded maximum pressure rating of 150 psi, up from the previous 115 psi (8 bar). This enhancement expands the versatility of these valves, allowing them to support a wider range of applications when paired with a solenoid rated for 150 psi (10.3 bar) or higher.

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  • VMAP The Ultimate Modular Air Management System

    VMAP The Ultimate Modular Air Management System

    We are excited to announce that the VERSA Modular Air Package (VMAP), an advanced and compact air management system primed to elevate the actuator control industry, is now available in 28 standard model configurations. The VMAP integrates essential pneumatic components such as filter/regulators and directional control valves into a seamless assembly.
    Built on the field-proven V-316 Series by VERSA, the VMAP offers a wide range of options and configurations. Its innovative design simplifies the assembly process, resulting in a smaller, lighter package that reduces leak points, fittings, tubing, labor, and installation costs.
    In addition to the standard models, VERSA provides custom build options to tailor solutions to specific application needs.

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  • VERSA School Last Session of 2024!

    VERSA School Last Session of 2024!

    In October, VERSA hosted sales teams from IFP Motion Solutions, Doedijns B.V., Terry Ferraris, and LAA France for expert VERSA School training in Paramus, NJ. The session combined hands-on learning with team activities, including a night in NYC. We’re thrilled with the strong feedback and look forward to our next session in 2025.

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