Oatey Co. recently sponsored a plumbing day at Northeast Ohio Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls, a program for middle-school-aged and high-school-aged girls to attend a free week-long camp to explore the construction trades, architecture, engineering, and construction manufacturing through hands-on experiences and field trips. As a Premier Sponsor of the program, Oatey’s Women’s Resource Read more
Industry News
Oatey Co. recently sponsored a plumbing day at Northeast Ohio Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls, a program for middle-school-aged and high-school-aged girls to attend a free week-long camp to explore the construction trades, architecture, engineering, and construction manufacturing through hands-on experiences and field trips.
As a Premier Sponsor of the program, Oatey’s Women’s Resource Network (WRN), an associate resource group dedicated to women’s professional, personal, and leadership development, volunteered at the camp on Tuesday, June 27. Thirteen WRN members attended the plumbing day, teaching campers the art of installing Oatey’s Quadtro Washing Machine Outlet Box and other plumbing products that Oatey donated to the program. The group also hosted and led a Lunch-and-Learn about careers at Oatey, informing campers about the endless possibilities that exist for women in the construction industry.
Each camper received a copy of the book “The House That She Built,” empowering them to help spread the word about careers in construction. The book educates young readers about the people and skills that go into building a home and tells the true story of a home built by all female tradespeople.
“The Women’s Resource Network is proud to support a program that aims to inspire and equip young girls with knowledge of a traditionally male-dominated industry,” says Amanda Keiber, co-chair of the WRN and Director, Corporate Communications, Oatey Co.
“The hands-on experiences offered at the camp allowed these girls to learn on their feet, build camaraderie with one another, and realize their potential. It is not just about teaching plumbing skills, but also about imparting life skills, exposing them to possible career paths, and helping them break barriers to explore new possibilities.”
Oatey learned about Let’s Build on its “” podcast featuring guest Plumber Paige, a 20-year-old Skilled Trades Advocate and Social Media Influencer, who attended another recent Let’s Build camp that took place in Lehigh Valley, PA. After learning about Let’s Build, Oatey was eager to support the NE Ohio camp, as the program aligns well with Oatey’s mission to support the trades and help grow the pipeline of talent into the industry.
“We are grateful for the Oatey Women’s Resource Network’s involvement in Northeast Ohio Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls,” says Shelly Higgins, Camp Director of NE Ohio Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls. “The plumbing day that the WRN members hosted was a great opportunity for the campers to learn about installing Oatey’s innovative products and gain hands-on experience.
“Oatey’s dedication to supporting the trades has created a lasting impact on the campers,” she continues. “We hope other industry leaders follow Oatey’s example and help us continue providing campers with these invaluable experiences.”
Bradford White Water Heaters introduces streamlined product label designed to elevate brand awareness and reinforce message of support for pro contractors and distributors Bradford White Water Heaters, an industry-leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, introduces a new primary branding label for the company’s range of storage tanks and tank-style water heaters. “The new label clearly and Read more
Bradford White Water Heaters introduces streamlined product label designed to elevate brand awareness and reinforce message of support for pro contractors and distributors
Bradford White Water Heaters, an industry-leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, introduces a new primary branding label for the company’s range of storage tanks and tank-style water heaters.
“The new label clearly and consistently communicates the Bradford White Water Heaters brand with customers and elevates brand awareness with end users,” said Neal Heyman, director of marketing for Bradford White Water Heaters. “Our previous labels had been developed at different times and for a variety of applications, and as a result did not offer a consistent presentation of our brand. Now, we’re confident that our label effectively highlights the Bradford White brand and reinforces the message of our commitment to professional installation.”
The new label will be featured across Bradford White Water Heater products as well as all Bradford White technical documents and marketing collateral, including the Bradford White Water Heaters website.
For more information about Bradford White Water Heaters, visit https://www.bradfordwhite.com.
Dynamic training in Seneca Falls offers interactive demonstrations and hands-on learning experience At the forefront of industry training, Goulds Water Technology, a Xylem brand, has released the 2023 third quarter course schedule for its training facility in Seneca Falls, New York. Product, application and troubleshooting courses will be offered from August through the end of Read more
Dynamic training in Seneca Falls offers interactive demonstrations and hands-on learning experience
At the forefront of industry training, Goulds Water Technology, a Xylem brand, has released the 2023 third quarter course schedule for its training facility in Seneca Falls, New York. Product, application and troubleshooting courses will be offered from August through the end of September at the Goulds Water Technology Factory School covering commercial/industrial pumps, residential water systems and wastewater pumping.
Taught by full-time instructors and experienced Xylem staff, courses cover an extensive range of product lines and related systems. In addition to applications, markets, troubleshooting and system components, students will gain hands-on learning through interactive demonstrations of pumps and controls in the lab facility. Most classes also include a tour of Xylem’s manufacturing facility in Auburn, New York.
“Goulds Water Technology Factory School is a fierce advocate of the importance of immersive, hands-on training for industry professionals,” said Tom Stephan, training manager, Goulds Water Technology. “Our interactive sessions allow distributors, dealers and engineers to experiment and troubleshoot various scenarios in a low-risk academic setting, ultimately fostering their success in real-world applications. Our staff is eager to welcome a new class to the Factory School later this summer.”
For more than three decades, Goulds Water Technology Factory School has been a trusted source of knowledge for water industry professionals, offering training on the newest developments in commercial, residential and agricultural applications. In-person sessions held at the Campbell Education Center include modernized classrooms and laboratories equipped with interactive touch boards and flexible configurations, allowing for dynamic demonstrations, as well as digital-forward training activities.
The Goulds Water Technology Factory School is open to distributors, dealers and Original Equipment Manufacturers with at least one year of industry experience.
Q3 2023 Goulds Water Technology Factory School schedule:
- Commercial/Industrial Pump Product & Application School: Aug. 21-24
- Residential Water System Product Application & Troubleshooting School: Sept. 11-14
- Wastewater Pumping Product & Application School: Sept. 25-28
Detailed class descriptions for Factory School courses are available here.
To register for an in-person course, or learn more about Goulds Water Technology learning opportunities, visit the updated website at https://goulds.com/factory-school. For e-learning courses and other virtual training resources, visit https://goulds.com/e-learning.
Falls Church, Va. — Proving the value of constructive collaboration, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) leaders and the association’s industry partners and major sponsors exchanged ideas and solutions for mutual benefit during PHCC’s Industry Summit in Dallas, Texas, last month. The Summit – a chance to make a meaningful impact on issues and opportunities facing plumbing and HVACR Read more
Falls Church, Va. — Proving the value of constructive collaboration, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) leaders and the association’s industry partners and major sponsors exchanged ideas and solutions for mutual benefit during PHCC’s Industry Summit in Dallas, Texas, last month. The Summit – a chance to make a meaningful impact on issues and opportunities facing plumbing and HVACR contractors and the industry – was hosted by Rheem Manufacturing, a PHCC Corporate Partner.
“I learned early on that constructive collaboration was essential for success,” PHCC—National President Dave Frame told attendees at the Summit. “By exchanging ideas, learning from each other, and establishing new relationships, we can further our mission of advancing the industry not only for our own organizations but also to protect public health, safety, and the environment.”
Indeed, the group of industry leaders spent the day exploring ways to better collaborate on crucial industry initiatives, namely regulatory issues, advocacy, workforce development, education and training, and sustainability.
Regulatory updates—particularly trends in decarbonization/electrification – were a key takeaway for Summit participants. PHCC—National Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chuck White led a discussion on how PHCC and its industry partners can work together to ensure that contractors and their employees have the information they need to effectively advocate for reasonable regulatory mandates and prepare for upcoming changes. “The complexity of regulations impacting our industry amplifies the need for collaboration on advocacy efforts and to establish effective communication channels to keep industry professionals informed to ensure compliance,” he said.
During the Summit, attendees discussed how to set contractors up with financing options for customers interested in purchasing new HVAC equipment. Other topics addressed included how manufacturers can help develop information on heat pump water heaters (the benefits of new products, when to expect return on investment, etc.) for contractors to pass on to customers, as well as how they can improve hands-on training opportunities through PHCC state and local chapters.
In the area of workforce development, several PHCC partners and sponsors shared some transformative efforts, including supporting an apprentice program for at-risk female high school students, working directly with school guidance counselors to promote the trades, and more. “While workforce challenges are not new to this industry, it remains the number one concern for PHCC members,” said PHCC Vice President of Business Development Elicia Magruder. “PHCC and the PHCC Educational Foundation have numerous resources available to help our chapters and members promote careers in the trades, but we still need to do more to ensure a continuous pipeline of skilled workers.”
Of the event, Rheem Vice President of Residential AC Randy Roberts said, “Manufacturers can’t be successful unless we hear and respond to the challenges and needs of our customers. PHCC’s Industry Summit took that up a level, allowing us to engage with contractors, suppliers, and other manufacturers to focus on the current issues our customer base is experiencing and identify how we can all help each other to support and advance our industry.”
PHCC already is building on the energy and commitment exhibited during the Summit, moving to implement many of the solutions discussed as well as making arrangements for its next Industry Summit. “The ideas shared serve as a strong foundation for future collaboration among PHCC, the PHCC Educational Foundation, and our industry partners,” said Frame. “By working together, we can address industry challenges, foster growth, and ensure a prosperous future for the plumbing and HVACR industry.”
Viega plans to invest over $70 million in the next two years as part of its long-term strategy to expand U.S. manufacturing and support the needs of its North American customers. Broomfield, Colo. — Viega announced plans to expand its production capacity in McPherson, Kansas. The first wave of these investments is approximately $14 million Read more
Viega plans to invest over $70 million in the next two years as part of its long-term strategy to expand U.S. manufacturing and support the needs of its North American customers.
Broomfield, Colo. — Viega announced plans to expand its production capacity in McPherson, Kansas. The first wave of these investments is approximately $14 million and will increase the U.S. production of its industry-leading ProPress® products.
“As we continue to grow the business, we are bringing more production to the United States,” said Markus Brettschneider, CEO and President of Viega LLC. “These investments in our U.S. footprint will further support demand and leverage the talented U.S. manufacturing workforce, starting with the expansion of production capacity in Kansas.”
The McPherson manufacturing and distribution center is currently around 1 million sq. ft, with the facility more than doubling its footprint and workforce since opening in 2008. The new ProPress equipment is expected to be in production by the end of Q3 2023, with additional investments to come.
“We are proud to produce our fittings right here in Kansas. As we increase our U.S.-made products, we remain committed to creating highly skilled jobs in America, building out more sustainable manufacturing processes, and developing tomorrow’s workforce,” said Marki Huston, Head of Manufacturing for Viega LLC.
In addition to its McPherson, Kansas facility, Viega supports its customers and partners through distribution centers in Reno, Nev. and Carlisle, Penn., with further North American expansion planned for 2024 and 2025.