Collegeville, PA, USA (December 11, 2024) – Superior Tube, a pioneer in precision small-diameter tubing, proudly marks its 90th anniversary. Since its founding in 1934 near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the manufacturer has been at the forefront of engineering breakthroughs, developing cutting-edge tubing solutions for industries that have shaped technological innovations.
Superior Tube was established with a vision to redefine small metal tubing precision. For nine decades, its specialty alloy tubes have been integral to transformative moments in history—from powering groundbreaking nuclear technologies to supporting advanced medical devices and enabling next-generation US Navy programs.
Historical Milestones
Superior Tube’s products have been pivotal in numerous technological firsts, breaking through the scientific and engineering barriers of their time to transform the world.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Superior Tube advanced nuclear technology, producing materials for the USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, and the Shipping port Atomic Power Station, the first civilian nuclear power plant. Its tubing also supported groundbreaking space exploration projects, playing a vital role in NASA's Apollo missions, which culminated in the historic first moon landing, and in Telstar 1, the world’s first communications satellite.
During the 1970s, the tube manufacturer expanded its presence in aerospace, producing titanium hydraulic line tubing for the Concorde supersonic jet and the F-15 Eagle fighter plane. By the 1980s and 1990s, its contributions had grown to include thin-wall tubing for life support systems in NASA’s Space Shuttle program and the development of specialized tubing for next-generation coronary stents, which transformed cardiovascular treatment.
In the 21st century, Superior Tube has continued its legacy of innovation in the space sector. Its products have supported ground-breaking missions such as the Mars Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity. Today, it collaborates with major Space OEMs to engineer tubes for next-generation rockets and satellites, enabling space vehicles to travel further, faster, and more efficiently than ever before.
Beyond space exploration, Superior Tube drives innovation in nuclear energy, defense, and healthcare. From enabling Small Modular Reactors and advancing US Navy programs, to supporting safer and smaller medical devices, its precision tubes impact millions worldwide.
Celebrating a Global Impact
As part of AMETEK Inc. since 2015, Superior Tube remains committed to delivering excellence from its state-of-the-art facilities. Its legacy is shared with Fine Tubes, a sister business based in the United Kingdom, reflecting a global footprint in critical industries.
Ryan O’Connell, DVP Business Manager Tube commented: "Celebrating 90 years is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of our people, past and present. As we honor our history, we remain focused on advancing the future of tubing technology, ensuring that Superior Tube continues to lead in innovation and quality for generations to come.