Anniversary Celebration: A History of Triad
Triad Fluid Power, Inc. was founded by Lee and Rita Wissman on August 1, 1981, as a distributor of Parker Hannifin fluid connector products in Englewood, Ohio. More than four decades later, Triad Technologies has grown to over 25 locations across six states, but we've never lost sight of the values that built our business. Our commitment to exceptional service, strong relationships, and personalized support remains the same today as it was when we first opened our doors. As we celebrate our anniversary, we're looking back at the milestones that shaped Triad into the company it is today.
1980s
Triad began as a small, family-owned business focused on providing Parker Hannifin products and other industrial solutions with a personalized level of service. In 1984, Lee and Rita's son, Doug Wissman, joined the company, helping carry on the family's vision and supporting Triad's continued growth.
In 1988, Triad opened its first branch location in Cincinnati, Ohio, expanding its reach and laying the foundation for future growth. During this decade, the company also added Parker's pneumatic and hydraulic product lines, becoming a full-line Parker fluid power distributor and broadening the solutions available to customers.
1990s
As the business continued to grow, Triad outgrew its original location. In 1994, the company relocated to a new 18,000-square-foot facility in Englewood, Ohio. The move also marked the opening of Triad's first ParkerStore, creating new opportunities to better serve customers and setting the stage for future expansion.
2000s
The new millennium marked the beginning of a transformative period for Triad. In 2001, Doug Wissman was named President and Chief Executive Officer, leading the company through years of significant growth.
The following year, Triad merged with Air-Draulics, Inc. and Midwest Fluid Power Co., two Toledo-based Parker distributors, expanding its ability to serve customers throughout Western Ohio. At the same time, the company changed its name from Triad Fluid Power, Inc. to Triad Technologies, LLC, reflecting its expanding portfolio of products, services, and technical expertise.
In 2006, Triad added Parker Hannifin's electromechanical product lines, further strengthening its motion and control capabilities. Two years later, the company relocated its headquarters to a larger facility in Vandalia, Ohio.
2010s
The 2010s were defined by rapid growth with new ParkerStore locations and strategic acquisitions across the Midwest. During this decade, Triad expanded into Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, and Indiana while continuing to strengthen its product offerings and technical expertise.
In 2012, Triad acquired Pennington Rubber Co., expanding its industrial hose offering. Three years later, the acquisition of Mega Fluid Products, Inc. extended the company's reach into Northeast Ohio.
In 2016, Greg Wissman, Doug's son, joined the Triad leadership team, representing the third generation of family leadership. The following year, Triad acquired Rilco Industrial Controls, Inc. and its subsidiaries, E&M Automation Equipment Co. and Cincinnati Controls, Inc., significantly expanding its factory automation products and services.
Growth continued in 2018 with the acquisitions of Cincinnati Hose & Fittings, Inc. and Kentucky Fluid Air, Inc., strengthening Triad's presence in Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky. In 2019, Triad acquired Day Fluid Power, expanding its reach into Northern Indiana.
2020s
Triad continued its momentum into the 2020s through facility expansion, strategic acquisitions, and leadership transitions.
In 2020, Triad acquired Maverick Industries, further strengthening its industrial hose capabilities. That same year, the company expanded its Vandalia headquarters by 45,000 square feet, creating additional space to support continued growth.
In 2022, Triad expanded into Illinois to become a premier Parker distributor in the greater Chicago area. Triad also acquired Industrial Service Products in Lyons, IL in 2022, giving the company more reach into Illinois and enhancing our fluid conveyance and industrial hose capabilities.
The following year marked another significant milestone as Greg Wissman was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Triad Technologies. At the same time, Doug Wissman transitioned to Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors, continuing the family's leadership.
Also in 2023, Triad acquired Tech-Syn in Bloomingdale, Illinois, along with its subsidiary All Seals & Hose, adding seals and O-rings to the company's growing portfolio of products and services.
Today
Today, Triad Technologies remains a family-owned, value-added distributor of motion and control solutions. While much has changed since opening our doors in Englewood 45 years ago, our commitment to helping customers solve challenges and keep their operations moving has remained constant.
We would like to thank our customers, partners, and team members for providing the support we needed to grow into the company we are today, as well as thank the Wissman family for making it all possible. We look forward to continuing to grow and provide our customers with the support they need to keep things moving.
For more specific information about our accomplishments over the last several years, read our Annual Review blog posts:
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