History of SPX Corporation in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 14, 2026

SPX Corporation is a diversified, global supplier of infrastructure equipment and technologies, primarily serving the HVAC, detection and measurement, and engineered solutions markets. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company focuses on providing critical products that facilitate efficient cooling, heating, and utility services. SPX operates through a strategic portfolio of brands, emphasizing innovation in cooling systems, transformers, and communication technologies. The company is structured to deliver sustainable value by leveraging its engineering expertise to support global energy infrastructure, data centers, and commercial facilities. By prioritizing operational excellence and targeted acquisitions, SPX maintains a significant role in industrial manufacturing, catering to a wide range of customers across both public and private sectors. Its business model relies on high-margin, niche-market leadership to drive long-term growth and technical reliability.

December 20, 1911: Founding of the Piston Ring Company

On December 20, 1911, Charles E. Johnson and Paul R. Beardsley established the Piston Ring Company in Muskegon, Michigan, dedicated to manufacturing piston rings for engine builders.

1925: Acquisition of No-Leak-O Piston Ring Company

In 1925, the Piston Ring Company acquired the No-Leak-O Piston Ring Company, a strategic move that allowed the organization to significantly expand its production capacity for engine components.

1931: Acquisition of Accuralite and Rebranding to Sealed Power Corporation

During 1931, the company acquired the Accuralite Company, rebranded itself as Sealed Power Corporation, and began producing pistons, piston rings, and cylinder sleeves to support military applications.

1946: First plant opening outside Muskegon

In 1946, Sealed Power Co. expanded its operational footprint by opening its first manufacturing plant outside of its home base in Muskegon.

1957: Establishment of the LaGrange Distribution Center

In 1957, the company inaugurated a new Replacement Distribution Center located in LaGrange, Indiana, which served to streamline logistics for 33 smaller distribution outlets across the United States and Canada.

1982: Acquisition of Kent-Moore Corporation

In 1982, Sealed Power acquired the Kent-Moore Corporation, which successfully generated $86 million in revenue for the company within its first year of operation.

1985: Expansion via OTC and V.L. Churchill Group Acquisitions

During 1985, Sealed Power broadened its reach by acquiring the Owatonna Tool Company and its subsidiaries, as well as the V.L. Churchill Group based in England, establishing the company's international presence.

1988: Rebranding to SPX Corporation

In 1988, the company officially changed its name to SPX Corporation, maintaining its position as a major U.S.-based automotive component manufacturer for the subsequent decade.

1998: Acquisition of General Signal Corporation

SPX Corporation acquired General Signal Corporation in 1998 for $2.3 billion, a move that integrated expertise in process control, electrical control, and industrial technologies.

2001: Acquisition of United Dominion Industries Limited

In 2001, SPX expanded its industrial footprint by acquiring United Dominion Industries Limited, a company focused on the manufacturing of various engineered products.

2002: Relocation of SPX Headquarters

SPX relocated its corporate headquarters to Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2002.

2012: Sale of Service Solutions Business

In 2012, SPX President Charles E. Johnson II completed the sale of the company's Service Solutions business unit to Robert Bosch GmbH for a total value of approximately $1.15 billion.

December 2015: Acquisition of Carmanah Technologies

In December 2015, SPX Technologies formally announced its intention to acquire Carmanah Technologies, a company specializing in the production of aviation and marine warning lighting systems.

2015: Founding of SPX Flow

In 2015, SPX Flow was established as a spin-off from its parent company, SPX, under the leadership of Chris Kearney and Jeremy Smeltser to focus on providing engineered flow components and process equipment.

2015: Commencement of Partnership with SGS Refrigeration Inc.

In 2015, SPX Technologies established an ongoing partnership with SGS Refrigeration Inc., which eventually led to the company's acquisition by SPX four years later.

2017: Start of Period of Financial Growth

Beginning in 2017, SPX initiated a period of financial growth that resulted in an earnings per share (EPS) increase of 70% per year leading up to 2020.

2018: Acquisition of CUES Inc. and Schonstedt Instrument Co.

During 2018, following its separation from SPX Flow, SPX expanded its portfolio by acquiring CUES Inc., a specialist in pipeline inspection, and Schonstedt Instrument Co., which focuses on magnetic locator technology.

2019: Acquisition of SGS Refrigeration Inc. and Patterson-Kelley

In 2019, SPX Technologies expanded its HVAC solutions division by acquiring two companies: SGS Refrigeration Inc., a specialist in industrial refrigeration, and Patterson-Kelley.

2019: Annual Revenue Performance

In 2019, SPX Technologies, Inc. successfully generated approximately $1.5 billion in annual revenue, marking a significant financial milestone for the American manufacturing firm.

September 2020: Acquisition of ULC Robotics Inc.

In September 2020, SPX completed the acquisition of ULC Robotics Inc., a firm specializing in robotics and inspection technology for natural gas infrastructure, for a total of $135 million.

November 2020: Acquisition of Sensors & Software Inc.

SPX acquired the Ontario-based company Sensors & Software Inc. in November 2020, integrating their Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology into the Radiodetection business unit.

2022: Acquisition of SPX Flow by Lone Star Funds

In 2022, SPX Flow was officially acquired by the private equity firm Lone Star Funds in a transaction valued at $3.8 billion.

February 2024: Acquisition of Ingenia Technologies

In February 2024, SPX Technologies expanded its HVAC division through the $300 million acquisition of Ingenia Technologies, a company based in Mirabel, Quebec, that specializes in manufacturing custom commercial air quality systems.