Ideal Tridon Group Blog.

Foster Manufacturing is known for its reliability and innovation in quick-disconnect couplings for hydraulic and pneumatic applications. For decades, the company has been at the forefront of the industry, continually evolving to meet the needs of its customers.

The story of Foster Manufacturing began in the 1940s with John Henry Foster, an entrepreneur with a knack for innovation. Initially operating as part of McDonnell Douglas, Foster collaborated with local manufacturers alongside his partner, Lusby Marshall, to create interchangeable quick-disconnect couplings. Working tirelessly with his small team, he assembled and sold these couplings to distributors in Minneapolis and St. Louis. The overwhelming demand soon outpaced their initial capabilities, prompting John Henry to establish Foster Manufacturing as a standalone entity in 1946.

The success of Foster Manufacturing’s couplings was extraordinary. What started as orders of hundreds quickly grew into orders of thousands. To scale operations, Foster partnered with Lee Cruse of Crusota Engineering, a Springfield-based manufacturer of automatic equipment. Together, they developed advanced machinery to keep up with increasing demand, laying the foundation for today’s manufacturing process.

Lee Cruse eventually acquired the company, steering it through decades of growth and establishing its reputation as a leader in quick-disconnect technology. By the mid-1990s, Foster Manufacturing had become a critical supplier for many distributors, including the John Henry Foster Company of St. Louis, which remains its largest distributor.

Over the years, Foster Manufacturing has expanded its footprint through strategic acquisitions. In 2011, the company acquired the DynaQuip coupler line, solidifying its position in the market. Later, in 2017, Foster made another bold move by acquiring a Florida-based competitor, Breco Couplings. These acquisitions not only broadened Foster’s product offerings but also enhanced its ability to serve customers across the United States.

Today, Foster Manufacturing is a part of the Ideal Tridon Group portfolio of brands, whose products support, secure, and connect pipes, tubes, and hoses that convey gases, liquids, and electricity. We are a global leader in providing quick-disconnect couplings.

At the heart of Foster Manufacturing’s success are its people and principles. Guided by our legacy, we continue to set industry standards while building strong connections with customers worldwide. When you’re looking for cutting-edge quick-disconnect technology, Foster Manufacturing is a name you can trust.

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