Whitman Controls enters a new era as brothers William and Ramsey Brame officially take the helm from longtime president J. Yancey “Yank” Brame. As second-generation leaders, they bring deep respect for the company’s 43-year legacy and a bold vision for the future—rooted in quality, integrity, and service. Now recognized as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Whitman Controls combines time-tested reliability with a renewed focus on innovation, digital growth, and global expansion. With William’s strategic background in finance and Ramsey’s distinguished military service, the company is poised to continue delivering high-performance sensor solutions while maintaining the customer-first values that have always defined the Whitman brand.
For over 40 years, Whitman Controls has proudly served the U.S. military and defense sectors with rugged, reliable sensor solutions. Our pressure, vacuum, temperature, and liquid level switches are engineered to thrive under extreme conditions—withstanding shock, vibration, and corrosive environments—thanks to stainless steel, acid-resistant construction. Trusted across mission-critical systems, Whitman’s sensors deliver military-grade performance at a cost-effective price point, proving that strength, precision, and value can go hand-in-hand.
The COVID-19 pandemic tested the limits of global healthcare infrastructure and supply chains. Amid the chaos, innovation became essential. Nectar Product Development rose to the challenge by launching Breath Direct, a mission-driven company that developed the BDR-19, a cost-effective, high-performance ventilator designed for underserved regions.
To make this vision a reality, Breath Direct partnered with Whitman Controls, leveraging their 50+ years of sensor expertise to co-develop a custom pressure switch that met stringent medical requirements—without driving up costs. Together, they delivered a critical care solution with global impact, proving how collaboration and innovation can thrive even in crisis.
Industrial OEMs today demand more than just reliable products — they need responsive, expert partners who act as extensions of their own teams. At Whitman Controls, we’re redefining what it means to be an instrumentation partner by combining deep industry knowledge, rapid customization, and unmatched service. From engineering consultation to same-day shipping and custom sensor builds in under two weeks, our veteran-owned, ISO-certified team is committed to helping you navigate the evolving procurement landscape with confidence and control.
In the high-stakes world of semiconductor manufacturing, precision is everything—and every sensor matters. From the nanometer-scale fabrication of integrated circuits to the robust utility systems that sustain cleanroom operations, instrumentation must perform with unwavering accuracy under the most extreme conditions. At Whitman Controls, we specialize in crafting ultra-reliable pressure, flow, temperature, and vacuum instrumentation purpose-built to meet the rigorous demands of IC production. Whether supporting wafer processing, die packaging, ultrapure water recycling, or sterile HVAC systems, our high-purity, custom-engineered solutions help safeguard uptime, yield, and quality in the world’s most advanced fabs.
While smart sensors are rising in popularity, it’s often the simplest tools that prove the most powerful. As a Professional Engineer at Nucor Steel put it, “basic sensors like [those supplied by Whitman Controls] are still the most widely used, definitely the most reliable, and the most cost effective.” In today’s push toward automation and smart manufacturing, Whitman’s rugged, customizable pressure switches continue to be the backbone of countless systems—offering precision, safety, and durability without the need for expensive computing infrastructure. Whether it’s robotic glass installation or next-gen drones, Whitman’s switches deliver time-tested performance in cutting-edge applications.
Selecting a pressure or vacuum switch may seem straightforward, but performance, safety, and system longevity depend heavily on choosing the right one. As Michael F. Horn of Whitman Controls explains, success begins with asking the right questions. From understanding system pressure and set points to evaluating electrical and environmental conditions, the selection process is multi-dimensional. Material compatibility, media port interface, and even special customization requests all play a role in optimizing performance. With Whitman Controls’ deep application knowledge and broad range of rugged, customizable switches, engineers are empowered to build smarter, safer, and more reliable systems—without overengineering or overspending.
Semiconductor manufacturing pushes the boundaries of chemistry, engineering, and precision, demanding equipment that performs flawlessly in volatile, high-stakes environments. When a leading semiconductor equipment OEM sought a next-generation vacuum solution for their atomic layer deposition (ALD) systems, they turned to Whitman Controls for instrumentation that could match the scale, sensitivity, and purity their application required. Whitman’s W117V Ultra Pure Vacuum Switch rose to the challenge—delivering exceptional responsiveness, chemical resistance, and reliability under extreme conditions. Backed by ISO 9001 certification and a history of custom engineering excellence, Whitman not only met the customer’s needs but laid the groundwork for long-term collaboration across multiple new projects in advanced chip fabrication.
Contract manufacturers thrive in a space where adaptability and specialization intersect. With the ability to apply niche production capabilities across a broad spectrum of industries and product types, these manufacturers rely on smart, scalable instrumentation to maintain their competitive edge. Whether it’s ensuring process uptime through robust, reliable equipment sensors or integrating cost-effective, customizable components into finished goods, contract manufacturers need partners who understand both the complexity of their operations and the pace of their markets. Whitman Controls delivers on both fronts—providing standardized solutions that simplify plant maintenance and highly adaptable instrumentation tailored to meet the demands of rapidly evolving end-product requirements.
When global supply chains collapsed in 2020, medical device manufacturers were left scrambling for critical components—especially instrumentation. Faced with lead times stretching beyond 40 weeks, several OEMs turned to Whitman Controls for urgent solutions. Thanks to our strategic sourcing, deep inventory, and custom engineering capabilities, we slashed sensor delivery timelines from months to days. In less than six months, our team helped medical gas distribution OEMs stabilize production and future-proof their supply chains. With 100% order fulfillment and over 80% reduction in lead times, Whitman Controls proved that dependable instrumentation partners still exist—even in a crisis.