Emerson to Build Control Valve Industry’s Largest and Most Technologically-Advanced Research Laboratory Multi-million dollar renovation and expansion will create the Fisher® Technology Development Centre

Published: 25th September 2009 | Issue 2 Share article:

Emerson Process Management has announced a multi-million dollar renovation and expansion of its Fisher control valves research and development facilities in Marshalltown, Iowa, USA.

The project will create the Fisher Technology Development Centre, which will be the industry’s largest and most advanced flow control research facility. It will be staffed by employees from Emerson’s current research and development facility, with plans to add fifteen R&D engineers. Construction is expected to begin in 2007.

Ted Grabau, director of global technology for Fisher products, announced that the new facility will quadruple current air and water flow rate capabilities to permit testing of valves for larger and higher pressure applications. Pressure and flow sub-systems will also be increased to support noise abatement research and product development. New flow sciences research labs will support multiphase, cavitation and real world fluid control problems and there will also be expanded dynamic performance test loops to accommodate larger valves. The new centre will support all new product development and provide an improved customer demonstration and customer witness testing capability.

"Construction of this facility will allow us to continue to develop the innovative control valve technologies that help our customers maximise the performance of their plants," said Terry Buzbee, president of the Fisher division of Emerson.

Fisher control valves play a key role in managing the flow of materials through process systems in such industries as power, refining, chemical, and oil and gas production. With this renovation and expansion, Emerson is continuing the innovation and growth that dates back to 1880, when the Fisher Governor Company began its manufacturing operations in Marshalltown. Today, Emerson is the world’s largest manufacturer of control valves, with sales, manufacturing and service facilities located worldwide.

"Process manufacturers have been relying on Fisher valves for well over 100 years, and this expansion of our R&D capabilities will enable us to broaden our global reach to better meet the needs of our global customers," Buzbee said.

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