Our history

In 1966, five men intent on manufacturing high-altitude balloons founded a company in suburban St. Paul, Minnesota, that they called Pentair, the Greek “penta” for the five founders and “air” for the products they planned to produce. Pentair diversified quickly, venturing into industries ranging from plastic canoe manufacturing to computer software, to leather footwear, before acquiring a series of paper mills that served as the company’s core for nearly two decades.

Known for a willingness to venture into new industries and its ability to find operating efficiencies, which would become the cornerstone for the Pentair Integrated Management System, the company transformed from a paper company to a tool company and ultimately a water company—all while delivering consistent growth and profitability. Throughout the years, Pentair’s people, processes, and Win Right values have been at the core of its growth. Committed to its purpose that the health of the world depends on reliable access to clean, safe water, Pentair is harnessing its unique technology, talent, tools, and thinking to deliver smart, sustainable solutions for life.