For nearly 70 years, scientists, engineers, and procurement professionals have turned to one trusted source for the world’s most comprehensive selection of laboratory and industrial fluid handling products: Cole-Parmer. Founded in 1955 and now a global leader, Cole-Parmer connects innovators with the essential tools they need, from precision pumps and analytical instruments to critical components like silicone duckbill valves . This post explores Cole-Parmer’s rich history, its unparalleled distribution network, and how it serves as the vital link between world-class manufacturers and the end-users who rely on their products every day.
The Cole-Parmer Story: A Legacy of Distribution Excellence Since 1955
Cole-Parmer was founded in 1955 by Jerome Cole and John Parmer, starting as a small company with a big idea: to provide scientists and researchers with a convenient, reliable source for the specialized equipment they needed . Headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Vernon Hills, Illinois, the company has grown into a powerhouse with a global footprint .
The company’s history is marked by strategic ownership that has fueled its growth and innovation. After being acquired by Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2001, Cole-Parmer was carved out by private equity firm GTCR in 2014 to operate as a standalone company again . It was then acquired by Golden Gate Capital in 2017 before GTCR re-acquired the business in 2019, partnering with management to continue its expansion . Today, Cole-Parmer operates as part of Antylia Scientific, a leading provider of laboratory supplies and diagnostic products . This rich history has positioned Cole-Parmer as a premier consolidator in the fragmented life sciences and laboratory products sector .
Cole-Parmer’s Role: Master Distributor and Manufacturer
Cole-Parmer’s unique strength lies in its dual role. They are a manufacturer of their own trusted private-label brands, and they are a master distributor for thousands of other leading manufacturers, offering over 150,000 SKUs to customers worldwide .
Company-Owned Brand Names Include:
- Masterflex®: The world’s leading brand of peristaltic pumps, pump heads, and tubing .
- Oakton®: Instruments and supplies for electrochemistry, water quality testing, and more .
- Traceable®: Calibrated products for accurate and reliable measurements .
- Environmental Express®: Sample collection and preparation products for environmental testing .
- Cole-Parmer®: The private-label brand for a vast range of lab equipment and supplies.
This extensive portfolio means that when you need a silicone duckbill valve, Cole-Parmer is the ideal single source. They aggregate products from specialized manufacturers, ensuring you have access to the right component for your specific application.
Silicone Duckbill Valves: Available Through Cole-Parmer
A silicone duckbill valve is a one-way check valve designed to allow forward flow while instantly sealing against backflow. Its simple, elegant design—a flexible silicone sleeve molded into the shape of a duck’s bill—makes it ideal for applications requiring reliable, maintenance-free performance.
Cole-Parmer offers access to a wide variety of duckbill check valves, including those made from silicone and other elastomers. Based on product specification data, available duckbill valves through Cole-Parmer’s network include models with the following key specifications :
| Available Valve Type | Primary Material Options | Key Features & Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone Duckbill Check Valves | Silicone (medical/food grade) | Biocompatible, flexible, wide temp range. Ideal for medical devices, lab equipment, food & beverage. |
| EPDM Duckbill Check Valves | EPDM | Excellent weather, ozone, and water resistance. Suitable for potable water, wastewater, outdoor applications. |
| Viton® (FKM) Duckbill Valves | Viton® / FKM | Superior chemical and high-temperature resistance. Used in industrial, chemical, and fuel handling systems. |
| FFKM Duckbill Valves | Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) | Ultimate chemical resistance for the most aggressive fluids. Essential in semiconductor and pharmaceutical processing. |
Cole-Parmer’s application specialists can help customers select the right material and configuration for their needs, whether it’s a simple off-the-shelf component or a custom-engineered solution from one of their manufacturing partners.
Duckbill Valve Key Industries and Applications Served
Cole-Parmer’s diverse product portfolio serves a vast range of industries :
- Life Sciences & Biopharma: Supplying critical fluid handling components for research, development, and production, including single-use assemblies and precision tubing.
- Healthcare & Medical: Providing components and equipment for diagnostic testing, medical devices, and hospital laboratories.
- Environmental & Water Quality: Offering a full range of products for water and wastewater sampling, testing, and treatment .
- Chemical Processing: Supplying chemically inert valves, tubing, and pumps for handling aggressive fluids.
- Food & Beverage: Providing FDA-compliant components for processing, packaging, and quality control.
- Industrial Manufacturing: Serving as a source for essential fluid handling, measurement, and control products.
In all these sectors, silicone duckbill valves are essential components for:
- Backflow Prevention: In medical IV lines, diagnostic equipment, and water sampling systems.
- Venting and Pressure Relief: In laboratory apparatus and industrial process equipment.
- Flow Control: In automated fluid handling systems and analytical instruments.
Duckbill Valve Global Distribution Network and Contact Information
Cole-Parmer serves customers through a powerful combination of direct sales and a vast network of authorized international dealers . To find a local partner or contact Cole-Parmer directly:
Global Headquarters (USA):
- Company: Cole-Parmer North America
- Address: 625 East Bunker Court, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, USA
- Toll-Free: 800-323-4340 (USA & Canada)
- Phone: 847-549-7600 (International)
- Fax: 847-247-2929
- Website: www.coleparmer.com
International Sales and Support:
For customers outside the USA and Canada, Cole-Parmer’s International Sales department can be reached at 1-847-549-7600 or by fax at 1-847-549-1700 .
Regional Offices and Authorized Dealers:
A complete, searchable list of dealers for dozens of countries, including Argentina, Belgium, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, and many more, is available on the Cole-Parmer International Dealer page .
Recent News and Industry Leadership
October 2024: New Product Launches
Cole-Parmer continues to innovate, recently introducing new product lines including the Advanced Ductless Fume Hoods and Mechanical Convection Incubator, demonstrating their commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for laboratory professionals .
Continued Investment in Content and Expertise
The company’s Antylia Scientific Blog provides current and expert insights on topics critical to their customers, such as a recent case study on “The Importance of Proper Vaccine Storage and Handling” . This focus on education and application knowledge sets Cole-Parmer apart as a value-added partner .
Strategic Growth
As a platform company within the private equity landscape, Cole-Parmer continues to pursue organic growth and strategic add-on acquisitions to expand its product portfolio and reach in the fragmented life sciences and laboratory products sectors .
Conclusion
For over 70 years, Cole-Parmer has been the trusted bridge between the world’s leading manufacturers of fluid handling and laboratory equipment and the professionals who depend on them. Their vast catalog, which includes critical components like silicone duckbill valves from specialized producers, is backed by deep application expertise and a truly global distribution network.
Whether you need a biocompatible silicone duckbill for a medical device, a chemically resistant valve for an industrial process, or simply expert guidance on selecting the right component, Cole-Parmer offers the products and the people to help you succeed. Contact their team today at 800-323-4340 or visit www.coleparmer.com to find the local dealer nearest you.