For nearly 40 years, AGF Manufacturing has been guided by the same principles it was founded: innovation, integrity, and a commitment to the fire protection industry. But what truly sets AGF apart isn’t just its reputation for quality, it’s
the fact that it has remained a proudly family-owned, American manufacturer from the start.
AGF’s story began in 1986, when George J. McHugh III partnered with Alan Gilmore to solve a problem in the fire sprinkler world. Their solution, the original TESTANDRAIN Model 1000, replaced a complex assembly of 17 separate components with a single handle, multi-function valve. It was a simple but powerful innovation that changed the industry. That spirit of problem solving and practical engineering continues to define AGF today.
As the company grew, so did the McHugh family’s role in it. George’s sons, Jim and George IV, joined the business and helped expand its offerings, while continuing to manufacture products in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Their leadership preserved AGF’s hands-on approach and commitment to customer service, while driving the company forward with new products like the COLLECTANDRAIN auxiliary drain system and the PURGENVENT air vent line.
This year marks an important milestone: AGF is now welcoming the third generation of McHughs. George “Joe” McHugh recently joined the company as Director of Operations, bringing with him over a decade of experience from his time in logistics and program management at Amazon. His background in process improvement and operational efficiency will help AGF continue to grow, without compromising the values that have made it successful.
For the McHugh family, this isn’t just about continuing a legacy. It’s about honoring the people and principles that got them here. Joe’s grandfather built AGF on a foundation of ingenuity and trust. His father and uncle carried it forward with dedication and a clear vision for the future. And now, with Joe on board, the company begins a new chapter—still family-owned, still American-made, and still committed to making the fire protection industry better.
In a time when many companies are being bought, outsourced, or folded into larger conglomerates, AGF stands out as a rare constant: a business where the family name is still on the door, and where the people behind the name are still actively involved in earning their customers’ trust every day.
