Partnership forges new markets for Sun Hydraulics

SARASOTA — Sun Hydraulics, a global manufacturer of screw-in hydraulic cartridge valves and manifolds, has partnered with a Colorado firm to launch a new line of products.

Sun and Woodland Park, Colo.-based Sturman Industries have entered into a technology license agreement, according to a release. Sun, under the agreement, will manufacture and sell valves that incorporate Sturman digital valve technology. Terms of the deal, for products that target clients in fluid power markets, weren't disclosed. The products are expected to become available next year.

“By converging Sun's expertise in hydraulic cartridge valves with Sturman's expertise in drive electronics and efficient digital magnetics, we believe we can offer our customers unique beneficial solutions for their applications,” Sun CEO and President Allen Carlson says in the release. “Customers are asking for products which are smaller in size, lighter in weight, use less power, are less expensive and operate faster. New electro-hydraulic cartridge valves under development as a result of Sun teaming up with Sturman will provide these features and create new markets for Sun.”

Sun Hydraulics is one of the largest private employers in the Sarasota-Manatee market. It had $205.2 million in revenues in 2013.