The Hoffman Specialty Manufacturing Company was founded in 1913 by George D. Hoffman with the introduction of the Hoffman No. 1 Automatic Siphon Air Vent Valve for steam radiators. For almost three decades, the company operated as a sales organization only, with its products manufactured by contract. As the company added more products - radiator and main vents, vapor specialties, radiator supply valves and traps, boiler return traps and condensate and vacuum pumps -- the decision was made to build a manufacturing facility, and in 1941 the Indianapolis facility was opened.

The Hoffman line grew to include float and thermostatic and bucket traps, pressure reducing valves and tank temperature regulators. In 1951 Hoffman purchased the Domestic Pump and Engine Company with its line of condensate and vacuum pumps. A new facility was completed in 1954. In 1970, Hoffman was acquired by ITT Industries and became part of the Fluid Handling Division in 1974. Domestic Pump became a separate unit in this division and was moved to the Bell & Gossett plant in 1983.