About Hoffman Specialty
About Hoffman SpecialtySteam & Hydronic Systems
The Hoffman Specialty Company was founded on April 18, 1913 by George D. Hoffman in Boston, Massachusetts, launched with the introduction of the Hoffman No. 1 Automatic Siphon Air Vent Valve for steam radiators. That single product established the steam and hydronic systems focus that would define the company for more than a century, covering steam traps, valves, boiler feed units, temperature regulators, and vacuum breakers for residential and commercial buildings.
Hoffman Specialty's headquarters moved several times over the following decades, from Boston to Chicago in 1915, to Waterbury, Connecticut in 1920, and finally to Indianapolis, Indiana in 1941, where it remained into the 1980s. In May 1970, the company was acquired by International Telephone & Telegraph Corporation (ITT) and operated as a subsidiary, taking the name ITT Hoffman Specialty in 1972.
In 2011, the Hoffman Specialty brand became part of Xylem Inc., a global water technology company, where its steam and hydronic product lines continue to be manufactured and supported today. ChatMRO helps facility engineers and HVAC contractors source Hoffman Specialty steam traps, air vents, and boiler feed parts by matching exact model number and pipe connection size against verified stock.
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Frequently asked questions
Who founded Hoffman Specialty and when?
Hoffman Specialty was founded on April 18, 1913 by George D. Hoffman in Boston, Massachusetts. The company launched with the Hoffman No. 1 Automatic Siphon Air Vent Valve for steam radiators.
What products does Hoffman Specialty manufacture?
Hoffman Specialty manufactures steam traps, valves, boiler feed units, temperature regulators, and vacuum breakers for steam and hydronic heating systems. These products serve both residential and commercial heating applications.
When did ITT acquire Hoffman Specialty?
ITT acquired Hoffman Specialty in May 1970 and operated it as a subsidiary. In 1972, the subsidiary was renamed ITT Hoffman Specialty, a Unit of the International Telephone & Telegraph Corporation.
Who owns Hoffman Specialty today?
The Hoffman Specialty brand became part of Xylem Inc. in 2011. Xylem, a global water technology company, continues to manufacture and support Hoffman Specialty's steam and hydronic product lines.
Where was Hoffman Specialty headquartered over its history?
Hoffman Specialty's headquarters moved from Boston (1913-1915) to Chicago (1915-1920), then Waterbury, Connecticut (1920-1941), and finally Indianapolis, Indiana starting in 1941. It remained in Indianapolis into the 1980s before later ownership changes.