"You know," he remarked, "actually this 'Korky' is a pretty revolutionary thing. It's made the conventional tank ball obsolete. All over they're taking out the old tank balls and putting in these 'Korkys'."
-Illinois State Journal, Springfield, 1955

Timeline Of Events

1912
Lavelle Industries, Inc. began molding rubber in 1912. It was located at 424 Wood St. in Chicago, IL, which later became Gavel’s warehousing and distribution before all operations were consolidated.

1947
In 1947, Lavelle Industries moved to Burlington, WI. Starting with only 10 employees, the company has grown to over 280 today.

1954
In 1954, Lavelle introduced a revolutionary new plumbing product, the Korky® toilet flapper. This completely new product concept was able to remove almost half of the overly complicated systems within the typical toilet tank of the time, effectively obsoleting the tank ball and guide system. Hailed as the first new innovation in toilet design in over 50 years by the Illinois State Journal in 1955, the Korky was a relative sensation, garnering air time on TV, radio and in print.

1990
Over the years, significant improvements have been made to the Korky line. In 1990, Lavelle introduced the Korky Plus, the first chlorine resistant flapper with a five year guarantee. The Korky Plus flapper is made from Chlorazone®, a proprietary material that resists chloramines added to municipal water as well as harsh toilet tank cleaners.

2000
In 2000, Lavelle acquired Hunter® Plumbing products and integrated the Hunter® 528 toilet fill valve into the Korky family of quality plumbing repair products. Renamed the Korky QuietFill®, this valve has the distinction of being the quietest fill valve on the market and one of the easiest to install.

2005
Lavelle further expanded the Korky line in 2005 and introduced new Korky toilet repair kits containing a unique, adjustable flush valve. The flush valve easily adjusts from 7” to 11-1/2” and eliminates the need to cut the overflow tube.

Lavelle continues to develop premium quality products under the Korky brand name. So use us, depend on us, challenge us. That is how we have earned our reputation since 1912.