Remembering a Pressure Switch Innovator

SOR Inc., manufacturer of pressure, level, temperature and flow measurement products, was founded by Roy Dunlap, who passed away April 25, 2013. Mr. Dunlap leveraged the static-o-ring (SOR) technology to invent a highly accurate mechanical pressure switch that helped prevent the overfilling of oil tanks. This simple but innovative design resulted in a switch of flawless accuracy that would change the oil & gas and power generation industries forever. The static-o-ring pressure switch was developed in 1956 and its success will continue to impact the lives of Dunlap’s employees for years to come.

Roy Dunlap initially realized his dream of having his own commercial machine shop shortly after he left the Navy following World War II. Starting small with just $2,000 and one employee, he opened the doors in 1946. That machine shop was later named one of the top 10 machine shops in America, by American Machinist magazine.

Roy remained involved in the business and on the Board of Directors until his passing. His daughter, Linda Dunlap, assumed the role of Chairman of the Board in 2010.

“He had a rich, full life and would have turned 91 in July,” said Ms. Dunlap. “My father touched the lives of many people and will be greatly missed, but his legacy continues on through the continued growth of the company that he loved so much.”

Since 1956, SOR Inc. has offered a line of level, pressure, temperature and flow instrumentation for a variety of industries and applications. SOR Inc. has a registered quality system to ISO 9001:2008.