HBM's Playbook: Control Devices' Latest Buy Cements Flow Control Power

ST. LOUIS, MO – July 06, 2026 – In a move that signals a clear intensification of its growth strategy, Control Devices, a portfolio company of HBM Holdings, today announced its acquisition of Erie, Pennsylvania-based Solenoid Solutions. While the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed—a common practice for privately-backed transactions—the strategic implications are clear. This is not merely a line-item addition to a portfolio; it is a calculated step in a broader campaign to build a dominant force in the highly specialized, system-critical world of engineered flow control.

The acquisition marks the latest in a rapid series of purchases for Control Devices, underscoring parent company HBM Holdings' aggressive "buy-and-build" strategy. By integrating Solenoid Solutions, Control Devices not only broadens its product catalog but also deepens its technical expertise, positioning itself to capture a larger share of a competitive and consolidating market.

A Strategic Bolt-On, Not Just a Buyout

At its core, this deal is about complementary strengths. Control Devices, a St. Louis-based manufacturer founded in 1963, has a long-standing reputation for designing and producing engineered flow control solutions for markets like compressed gas, oil & gas, and industrial liquids. The acquisition of Solenoid Solutions, a specialist in 2-way, 3-way, and proportional solenoid valves, provides a crucial technological infusion.

Solenoid valves are the automated gatekeepers of fluid and gas systems, essential in everything from medical ventilators to industrial cooling systems. Solenoid Solutions, formed in 2006 by industry veterans, carved out a niche by focusing exclusively on custom-designed valves for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Their reputation is built on rapid prototyping, deep engineering collaboration, and a commitment to high-quality, made-to-order components.

By bringing this expertise in-house, Control Devices can now offer a more integrated, single-source solution to its customers. "This acquisition reflects another example of our long-term growth strategy and our continued commitment to serving our customers," said Jim Norris, President and CEO of Control Devices, in the official announcement. "Solenoid Solutions strengthens our capabilities, expands our product and brand portfolio, and enhances our ability to deliver reliable, system-critical solutions across the markets we serve."

For customers, this translates into a more robust supply chain and a partner capable of solving more complex flow control challenges. Instead of sourcing multiple components from different vendors, OEMs can now turn to Control Devices for a more comprehensive package, a significant advantage in industries where system integration and reliability are paramount.

Unlocking New Markets and Synergies

The true commercial power of this acquisition lies in the synergies it unlocks. Control Devices plans to leverage its established commercial organization and global reach to propel Solenoid Solutions' products into new and underserved markets. The press release specifically targets high-growth sectors including medical devices, food service and appliances, instrumentation, industrial cooling systems, and transportation—areas where precision and reliability are non-negotiable.

Operationally, the integration appears seamless on paper. Solenoid Solutions' vertically integrated manufacturing and "Made In USA" ethos align well with Control Devices' own commitment to quality, evidenced by its ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 (medical devices) certifications. This shared focus on manufacturing excellence is expected to streamline production and uphold the high-performance standards both companies are known for.

Beyond sales and manufacturing, the combination of R&D capabilities holds significant promise. Solenoid Solutions’ agility in custom design and prototyping, when paired with Control Devices' larger engineering resources and market access, could accelerate the development of next-generation flow control technologies. This could lead to more efficient, miniaturized, and intelligent valve systems tailored to the increasing demands of industrial automation and advanced manufacturing.

The Architect: HBM Holdings' Buy-and-Build Strategy

To fully understand the significance of this deal, one must look at the architect behind it: HBM Holdings. The privately held conglomerate operates on a clear and proven playbook: acquire successful, middle-market industrial companies and provide the capital and strategic oversight to accelerate their growth. This is not a passive investment but an active, long-term "buy-and-build" strategy.

The acquisition of Solenoid Solutions is a textbook example of this strategy in action. It follows a string of similar moves that have methodically transformed Control Devices into a formidable player. In January 2026, it was the acquisition of Sherwood Valve to bolster its compressed gas offerings. In January 2024, Control Devices bought Gilmore to expand into the oil and gas sector, and in January 2022, it acquired the medical gas regulator line from Essex Industries. Each purchase has been a strategic piece added to the board, filling a product gap or providing access to a new market.

This pattern is not unique to Control Devices. It is mirrored across HBM's diverse portfolio, which includes companies like Mississippi Lime Company (MLC), HarperLove, and Schafer Industries. HBM’s approach is to empower its portfolio companies to become leaders in their respective niches through targeted, synergistic growth. The acquisition of Solenoid Solutions is the latest chapter in this ongoing story, deepening HBM’s expertise in the essential industrial sector and strengthening its overall platform.

Reshaping the Competitive Landscape

In the broader flow control market, which features a mix of massive industrial conglomerates and smaller specialty firms, this acquisition solidifies Control Devices' position as a powerful, integrated competitor. The move directly addresses key industry trends, including the growing demand from OEMs for customized, all-in-one solutions and more resilient supply chains.

By acquiring a respected specialist like Solenoid Solutions, Control Devices is not just buying revenue; it is buying technology, talent, and a loyal OEM customer base. This allows it to compete more effectively against larger rivals by offering both a broad product portfolio and the nimble, custom-engineering focus of a smaller specialist. As industries from medicine to transportation demand ever-more sophisticated and reliable components, companies that can deliver these integrated, high-performance solutions are poised to win. This acquisition is a clear statement from Control Devices and HBM Holdings that they intend to be one of those winners.