Build Your Own Actuator

Indelac Electric Actuators - History

Indelac Controls Inc. (ICI) was founded in 1986 and was incorporated as an “S” corporation on November 30, 1987. Our name was derived from the products we manufacture: INDustrial ELectric ACtuators and CONTROLS.

ICI’s mission is to manufacture a high quality electric actuator at a reasonable cost in a timely manner.

Electric actuators are electro mechanical machines that are used in the valve and damper industry for automation purposes. Our actuators are used to automate valves and dampers ranging in size from 3/8” up to 30”. Our products are used in applications controlling all types of fluids.


1986 – Working from his basement, Larry Robinson designed and manufactured an electric fail-safe device, a control that supplied backup power to electric actuators in the event of a power failure. Robinson also designed and manufactured other controls such as on/off control panels for electric and pneumatic actuators to control temperature, pressure and flow control panels.

1987 – Started designing electric actuator product line, which was to have a range of 100 lb-in torque up to 27300 lb-in. Introduced first electric actuator, which was a 200 lb-in unidirectional, two position electric actuator. We decided to offer this actuator first because we had a customer interested in purchasing a large number of them. The sequence in which the actuators were developed was primarily due to customer demands and requirements. Some light machining was performed in Robinson’s basement but the majority of the machining was done by outside sources and shipped complete.

1988 – Designed 675 lb-in electric actuator, also unidirectional. Started offering reversing actuators for butterfly valves and modulating control.

1989 – Designed 300 lb-in and 1200 lb-in electric actuator. The company also relocated manufacturing from Robinson’s basement to 2412 Petersburg Rd., Hebron, Ky. 41048.

1990 – Designed 100 lb-in electric actuator, which included printed circuit board for fast and easy field wiring.

1991 – Introduced L series which included two models: model LA for 2000 lb-in torque, and model LX for 3000 lb-in output torque. Also introduced declutching manual override and NEMA 7 enclosures for hazardous locations on some models.

1992 – Added LH (5000 lb-in torque) to L series and introduced model E7.5K-17 that developed 7500 lb-in output torque. Introduced electric spring return actuator product line, which had seven models covering a torque range of 100 lb-in to 1500 lb-in. We had some problems with that product in its early stages due to not enough testing at our plant and misapplication. The product line has been reduced to four models covering a torque range from 200 lb-in to 1000 lb-in and may not be used in control applications. After restricting the use of the product for fail-safe applications we had since experienced excellent success. Purchased CNC milling machine and multi-spindle drill press which allowed ICI to play a larger role in parts machining process.

1993 – Automated order processing system using a local E2 Systems “Bottom Line Software.”

1994 – Had several models tested and CSA certified. S series converted to die cast vs. sand cast parts, purchased additional CNC machines allowing ICI to bring more machining in house.

1995 – Introduced the K series which consisted of two models, model 7K developed 7020 lb-in torque and model 12K which was rated at 11500 lb-in torque. We also added models LHG, 14040 lb-in torque and model HDG 27300 lb-in torque to our product line. All of these new additions were worm/worm gear drive vs. spur gear drive on all previous models. Added 2000 lb-in spring return actuator. Purchased Supermax CNC turning center to allow ICI to manufacture all shafts in house.

1996 – Developed our product improvement plan, a quality manual to help guide us toward becoming ISO registered. Went through several quality managers and had not yet become registered. Had trouble with Supermax CNC turning center, returned it and purchased Mori-Seiki CNC turning center.

1997 – Reduced torque rating on model LH from 4800 lb-in to 3840 lb-in, replaced model HDG with model 27K, introduced 5K with 5000 lb-in torque to fill the gap left after down sizing model LH. Discontinued models AS10 & AS20 but later reinstated model AS10 due to customer demand.

1998 – Launched www.indelac.com.

1999 – Started construction of 10,000 sq. ft. office & manufacturing building located in Florence, KY.

2000 – Moved into new building, purchased all new work stations for assembly area to improve throughput, and added new pilot racks and shelving to improve warehouse efficiency.

2011 – Development of a pneumatic product line, launched new website, expanded distribution network worldwide and hired first intern.

2018 – Launch of our newly designed website! Our goal is to create a smooth and efficient browsing experience for our trusted and valued customers and business partners. We hope you enjoy our new uncluttered design that is easy to navigate, and more user-friendly