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HISTORY

2025

Introduction of bar-miniswitch ® for manually operated valves as compact and robust signal unit for ball valves and butterfly valves with lever.

2024

Presentation of our latest energy-saving solution save&switch at Valve World Expo in Düsseldorf, reinforcing bar’s commitment to efficiency and sustainability.

2023

Introduction of NORSOK-approved offshore coatings for our actuator series actubar and the appropriate signal units posiswitch, expanding our footprint in highly demanding offshore applications.

2022

DNV approval granted for the actuator series actubar and the signal units posiswitch and miniswitch for applications in the marine and shipbuilding sectors - underlining compliance with the highest international standards.

2021

Expansion of the actubar portfolio to torque ranges above 8,000 Nm, addressing high-performance industrial requirements.

2020

Enlarging the actuator portfolio with bar-agturn special drives for pivoting angles up to 180°

2019

Launch of bar-agturn ® in 18 sizes, enabling reliable automation of ball valves and butterfly valves.

2018

Development of pivoting actuators with integrated hydraulic damping to prevent water hammer and ensure a constant actuator speed

2017

Development of bar-Iluminate, a limit switch box equipped with an integrated LED circuit board, providing clear visual feedback of valve position.

2016

Market launch of posifixx adapter plates for hose- and pipe-free direct mounting of positioners on the actubar system actuator

2015

Expansion of the Vacotrol system to include the directly mountable positioner bar-positrol and the end position box with integrated solenoid valves bar-valve&switch

2014

Launch of ICS, a control system for valves with inflatable sealing technology.

2013

Market launch of PCS, a pressure control system protecting compressed air units against overload conditions.

2011

bar GmbH becomes part of Watts Water Technologies, significantly strengthening global reach and technological synergies.

2010

Setting a market standard with the IPM Block — an innovative interface for the reliable and efficient connection of intelligent positioners with pneumatic linear and rotary actuators.

2009

Development of bar-posiswitch, a signal unit specifically designed for actubar, enabling direct mounting without brackets or feets and forming a highly compact unit.

2008

Market launch of the bar-positrun ® as an innovative positioner specifically designed for pivoting actuators with external solenoid valves without additional tubing.

2007

Market launch of bar-miniswitch, the smallest signal-unit available for compact actuators. A patented system automatically sets the end-position switching points.

2006

bar GmbH acquired by Danfoss, marking an important step in international integration and growth.

2005

Market launch of bar-vacotrol for automatic valve control and regulation, introduced together with actubar as an integrated system solution.

2004

Launch of bar-switchcontrol signal unit, setting new standards through adjustable mounting feet that allow fast, precise and safe height adaptation.

2002

Launch of bar-switchmaster, a patented position indicator reducing installation and commissioning time and cost by up to 50% compared to previous solutions.

1997

Launch of 2- and 3-piece stainless steel ball valves, designed for maintenance-free direct mounting on pneumatic and electric actuators.

1996

Development of the pressure amplifier Multibar, enabling the doubling of actuation torque for demanding applications.

1995

First certification according to DIN EN ISO 9001.

1994

Development of a comprehensive accessory portfolio for standardized actuator interfaces.

1990

Relocation to new production and administration facilities in the Dattenberg industrial estate.

1981

Development of the double-piston rack-and-pinion actuator with self-centering pistons. As a pioneer, bar was the first to introduce the pneumatic ball valve as a compact, integrated unit combining valve and actuator to the global market.

1979

Foundation of bar pneumatische Steuerungssysteme GmbH, with an initial focus on industrial pneumatics, solenoid valves and pneumatic actuators.