IDEX was formed in 1988, when Kohlberg Kravis Roberts purchased several divisions of Houdaille Industries, which had recently been sold by KKR to Tube Instruments.

"[4] Business units are divided into three segments: IDEX Corporation's products, which include pumps, clamping systems, flow meters, optical filters, powder processing equipment, hydraulic rescue tools, and fire suppression equipment, are used in a variety of industries ranging from agriculture to semiconductor manufacturing.

Hale sells fire-trucks, portable pumps, ventilation systems, and the Hurst "Jaws of Life".

[11] In March 2022, IDEX Corporation completed its acquisition of Nexsight, LLC and its businesses – Envirosight, WinCan, MyTana and Pipeline Renewal Technologies (PRT).

[12] In November 2022, IDEX Corporation completed its acquisition of Muon Group and its subsidiaries – LouwersHanique, Veco, Millux, Tecan and Atul.