From the outset, SFC played a crucial role in defining safety guidelines for valve operations in the oil & gas and chemical processing industries. Our modular key-operated interlocks became integral to hazardous process environments, preventing human error and ensuring safe, continuous operations. These innovations quickly gained international recognition, with most offshore installations in the North Sea and onshore processing facilities across Europe implementing our systems.

By the 1990s, SFC had become synonymous with valve interlock safety systems, with major oil & gas operators on all five continents relying on our expertise. We introduced safety solutions for pig launching and receiving operations, ensuring the complete isolation of pig trap vessels, an approach now integrated into international standards such as API and ASME.

The development of the linear key concept by Smith Flow Control revolutionized safety in the oil, gas, and process industries, providing a fail-safe, intuitive, and highly reliable solution for controlling critical valve operations. Unlike traditional rotating keys, linear keys enforce a strict, step-by-step sequence, eliminating human error and preventing hazardous misoperations. Their simple push-pull mechanism makes them easy to use, while their robust, low-maintenance design ensures long-term performance in even the harshest environments.

For 40 years, our commitment to safety has driven us to develop smarter, more reliable valve solutions. As part of the Halma group, a global leader in safety, health, and environmental technologies, we continue to innovate and evolve, delivering cutting-edge products that protect people and critical infrastructure.

From our origins as the inventors of valve interlocking to our position today as the world’s largest valve interlock manufacturer, Sofis remains dedicated to safeguarding people and processes. We are proud of our heritage, and as we look to the future, we remain committed to engineering solutions that enhance safety and efficiency across industries worldwide.

Throughout our 40-year history, Sofis has expanded its expertise beyond traditional sectors, embracing emerging industries to address evolving safety and efficiency challenges. Our commitment to innovation has led us to develop specialized solutions for sectors such as water and wastewater treatment, hydrogen production, carbon capture and storage, biofuels, and marine operations. By tailoring our valve operation systems to meet the unique demands of these industries, we continue to safeguard people and the planet, ensuring safe and efficient processes across diverse applications.