About
For over 160 years Ashcroft has been a manufacturing leader for pressure gauges, transmitters, switches, pressure calibration, thermometers, and other essential components for process control.
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| Examples of the variety of Ashcroft products |
Ashcroft was founded in 1852 by Edward Ashcroft. Ashcroft was an inventor at a time when steam power was being explored and implemented as a revolutionary new industrial technology. At this time, steam power was still relatively dangerous because of frequent equipment failure. Ashcroft wanted to create more reliable ways to measure and control steam pressure that would be safer for personnel. Ashcroft's idea was realized when he met French inventor Eugene Bourdon. Bourdon invented the "Bourdon tube" gauge, a pressure gauge actuated by a metallic curved tube designed to consistently deflect under pressure. Ashcroft acquired the patent for the "Bourdon tube" and by 1852 was manufacturing them under the name Ashcroft Manufacturing Company.
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| Edward Ashcroft, founder |
Antique Ashcroft Test Gauge |
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| Ashcroft Connecticut Headquarters nighttime view today |
By 1964 Ashcroft was acquired by Dresser Industries, a leading oilfield supplier. This drove global expansion of Ashcroft's product distribution and opened the doors for the acquisitions of multiple international companies. In 1998 Dresser was purchased by Halliburton as a way for the company to improve its oilfield service offerings. Halliburton spun off Dresser and Ashcroft in 2001. Eventually, in 2006, Ashcroft was purchased by strategic partner Nagano Keiki of Japan and the company was once again known as "Ashcroft."
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| Ashcroft Factory Personnel from their Connecticut Headquarters |
Over the years, Ashcroft led the industry in innovation. Notable products include the first phenolic gauge housing, the first ±0.25% FS test gauge, bimetal thermometers, and the first electro-mechanical precision digital pressure indicator. Today the company is known for its diverse and capable range of gauges including PLUS!™ Performance™, Duratube™, FlutterGuard™, PowerFlex™ movement, and True Zero™ models.
Learn more about Ashcroft and how its products are used in this short video