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


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.


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


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.


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


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.


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


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.


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.


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