Viega Climate Mat system installed to create innovative heated drying slab. Viega was awarded Plastic Pipe Institute’s (PPI) 2016 “Project of the Year” award in the building and construction division for its Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency (BBARWA) heating bed project. Each year, PPI, a manufacturing-based trade association representing all segments of the plastic Read more
General News
Viega Climate Mat system installed to create innovative heated drying slab.
Viega was awarded Plastic Pipe Institute’s (PPI) 2016 “Project of the Year” award in the building and construction division for its Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency (BBARWA) heating bed project.
Each year, PPI, a manufacturing-based trade association representing all segments of the plastic pipe industry, recognizes member-company projects for significant achievements involving the use of polyethylene pipe.
“This system is self-operational and I’ve had zero maintenance issues with it from Viega’s side of things,” said Fred Uhler, plant manager, BBARWA. “Viega was able to answer our call for this unique project.”
The BBARWA, located in Big Bear, Calif., contacted Viega Radiant Design Services with a project that needed an innovative solution to reduce the water content and weight of sludge. Viega developed a heated slab for the sludge to dry on for enclosed and ventilated space.
BBARWA installed Viega’s innovative Climate Mat. Arriving on the job site in a pre-assembled roll, Viega Climate Mat is best for applications over 10,000 square feet and comes complete with temporary supply-and-return headers and tubing. Installation is as easy as unrolling and securing, so there’s no concern about proper spacing or laying individual circuits. The mat system is also pre-pressurized and numbered for accurate placement.
“Viega is truly honored to receive this award from our partners in the plastics pipe industry,” said David Desjardins, product manager, heating and cooling, Viega. “The BBARWA project showed Viega’s strength in designing solutions that can improve lives, reduce energy usage and help protect the environment.”
“As far as we know, this is the first time PEX tubing has been used to dry treated sludge,” said Tony Radoszewski, president, PPI. “Drying the sludge before it is trucked to the composting facility removes water to make it lighter, which saves a significant amount of money in transportation.”
The project used approximately 22,500 linear feet of 5/8-inch ViegaPEX™ Barrier crosslinked polyethylene tubing at nine-inch centers to make up the Climate Mats and cover the 16,000-square foot slab area. Before the slab was poured, the pre-engineered mat system was rolled out and installed in less than a day.
About PPI:
The Plastics Pipe Institute is the major trade association representing all segments of the plastic pipe industry and is dedicated to promoting plastics as the material of choice for pipe applications. PPI is the premier technical, engineering and industry knowledge resource publishing data for use in development and design of plastic pipe systems. Additionally, PPI collaborates with industry organizations that set standards for manufacturing practices and installation methods.
Franklin Electric to Unveil New Little Giant® Condensate Pump and FPS Dual Seal Grinder at ASPE 2016
Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE), a manufacturer of complete pumping systems, will display a wide variety of new pumping solutions at the 2016 ASPE Convention and Expo in booth 237 at the Phoenix Convention Center October 31-November 1 in Phoenix, Arizona. A few of the new products featured in the booth include: Franklin Electric’s Read more
Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE), a manufacturer of complete pumping systems, will display a wide variety of new pumping solutions at the 2016 ASPE Convention and Expo in booth 237 at the Phoenix Convention Center October 31-November 1 in Phoenix, Arizona. A few of the new products featured in the booth include:
Franklin Electric’s new Little Giant® VCC-20-P Series is designed for automatic collection and removal of condensate from air conditioning, refrigeration, and dehumidification equipment installed in air handling and plenum applications. The VCC-20-P Series is constructed with plastics that have been tested by Underwriters Laboratories to meet the requirements of UL Standard 2043 “Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Release of Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air Handling Spaces.” UL Standard 2043 is a fire test method for determining the fire performance response of discrete products intended to be installed in air handling spaces, such as above suspended ceilings or below floors. The VCC-20-P Series delivers pumping performance of 80 GPH at 1 foot and 20 feet shut off (on 115 V) and has a low profile height of 1 ¾ inches.
The new FPS IGPDS Dual Seal Grinder Pump Series delivers increased pump security and performance ideal for commercial and high-end residential applications. The IGPDS Dual Seal Grinder Pump Series utilizes two mechanical seals, coupled with sensor probe and seal leak detection circuitry in the panel, to provide added pump protection that can extend the overall pump life. If water enters the oil chamber, a light in the control panel will illuminate and indicate that the first seal requires replacement. The second seal continues to protect the pump so that it can maintain full functionality until the first seal can be changed. Upon the replacement of the first seal, the pump can be put back in service at peak performance levels. It efficiently pumps sewage slurries up to 130 feet and features a patented cutting system that grinds at 414,000 cuts per minute.
The Little Giant 6EC Series and 10EC Series pumps provide lower current draw, higher energy efficiency, and improved performance in sump, dewatering, water transfer and light effluent applications. These units feature cast iron covers and a polypropylene base that includes the stainless plate. Additional models are now available with a durable cast iron base providing increased intake area, reducing intake velocities and clogging potential. The 1/3 hp 6EC Series consumes only 5.0 amps while producing 53 gpm at 5 feet of head and reaching a maximum shut off of 28 feet. The 1/2 hp 10EC Series touts a full-load rating of only 6.5 amps and produces 67 gpm at 5 feet of head with a maximum shut off of 36 feet.
The Franklin Electric Inline 400 Pressure Boosting System is a compact and economical solution to most water pressure improvement needs. The Inline 400 couples a proven Franklin Electric pump and motor with simple flow-based controls to provide a typical water pressure boost of up to 40 PSI, depending on the application’s need. The unit’s symmetrical design allows for easy installation mounting either vertically or horizontally to fit within most existing plumbing configurations – including those where space is limited. This powerful, yet whisper quiet system is ideal for city water pressure boosting, pressurizing water from a cistern tank, re-pressurizing after filtration and irrigation system boosting applications.
For more information about Franklin Electric’s leading Little Giant brand of products, visit www.littlegiant.com. For more information about Franklin Electric’s Engineered Products portfolio, visit www.franklinengineered.com.

At their annual Manufacturers Representative National Sales Meeting in Memphis, TN, Milwaukee Tool recognized several agencies and individuals for outstanding achievement within the PHVAC channel. Award recipients were measured on a number of criteria including consistent year-over-year sales growth and product knowledge/training, as well as promotional and merchandising executions that maximize and accelerate profitable wholesaler Read more
At their annual Manufacturers Representative National Sales Meeting in Memphis, TN, Milwaukee Tool recognized several agencies and individuals for outstanding achievement within the PHVAC channel.
Award recipients were measured on a number of criteria including consistent year-over-year sales growth and product knowledge/training, as well as promotional and merchandising executions that maximize and accelerate profitable wholesaler sell through.
“We are relentlessly committed to leading in this industry by delivering the most robust new solutions with disruptive innovation and best-in-class performance to enhance end-user productivity,” said Gene Wilson Vice President Plumbing & HVAC Channels for Milwaukee Tool. “We are proud to partner with Manufacturer Reps that clearly understand and share this vision.”
Milwaukee would like to once again congratulate the following recipients for demonstrating the ability to communicate Milwaukee’s commitment to the PHVAC contractor and their preferred distribution, the PHVAC wholesaler.
- Agency of the Year: Summit Sales Inc. (Covering Kansas, Missouri)
- Power Tool Accessory Agency of the Year: Mitchell Enterprises (Covering Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma in HVAC)
- Sales Person of the Year: Marty McNee, Summit Sales Incorporated (Covering St. Louis)
- Power Tool Accessory Sales Person of the Year: Lauren Butler, TM Sales Inc.(Covering Denver and Colorado)
- Inside Sales Person of the Year: Jennifer Austin, Marsh & Moore Inc.(Covering Florida)
- Special Recognition Award: Jared Mullen, AH Deveney, for his dedication to Milwaukee Tool
Lightweight, high-strength BrandFX EverLast™ composite service bodies are available for 40”, 56”, 60”, 84” Cable-To-Axle (CA) trucks. Able to support a wide range of cranes and aerials, these service bodies are employed in many industries including utilities, telecommunications, plumbing, HVAC, mechanical, electrical, pest control, and more. BrandFX EverLast composite service bodies offer a number of Read more
Lightweight, high-strength BrandFX EverLast™ composite service bodies are available for 40”, 56”, 60”, 84” Cable-To-Axle (CA) trucks. Able to support a wide range of cranes and aerials, these service bodies are employed in many industries including utilities, telecommunications, plumbing, HVAC, mechanical, electrical, pest control, and more.
BrandFX EverLast composite service bodies offer a number of advantages compared to conventional metal bodies, including a unique combination of high strength and light weight. An EverLast service body can weigh as little as 50% of a similar steel body, which can equate to thousands of dollars in fuel costs savings annually.
Additionally, the lighter weight of EverLast bodies reduces wear on tires, brakes, and suspension components. This reduced weight can also allow for additional load capacity for a truck equipped with an EverLast service body. In some cases, the lighter weight of these bodies will even allow an operator to downsize vehicles.
EverLast bodies are molded using a proprietary composite formula that ensures durability and long-term performance. This molded construction technique also provides for the bodies’ rounded edges for improved aerodynamics, safety, and a quality appearance. Proven to deliver more than 20 years of reliable service, EverLast service bodies will not dent or crack, and will maintain their quality finish over years of use. For more information, visit BrandFXBody.com, email info@BrandFXBody.com , or call
866-431-1131.
Viega LLC announced its Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program with the assistance of Hutchinson Community College. Viega is currently interviewing and selecting students for the program which will start in January, 2017. In addition to receiving a paid position working in Viega’s plastics, metals, machining or maintenance divisions, students who are selected for the program will receive Read more
Viega LLC announced its Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program with the assistance of Hutchinson Community College.
Viega is currently interviewing and selecting students for the program which will start in January, 2017. In addition to receiving a paid position working in Viega’s plastics, metals, machining or maintenance divisions, students who are selected for the program will receive a three-year associate’s degree paid-in-full by Viega with the potential to earn other employee benefits. Graduates of Viega’s apprenticeship program will also be offered a full-time position from Viega upon graduation.
“Historically, it has been a challenge to find qualified highly technical employees for our operations,” said Eric Wicker, director of manufacturing, Viega. “The program was started to build future talent as we grow and expand in McPherson. This would allow us to grow that talent from the ground up in a program specifically tailored to cover what we feel is critical to succeed at Viega.”
To supply its distribution network, Viega opened its central, 439,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility in McPherson in 2009. The facility is now home to Viega’s vertically integrated PEX manufacturing. In 2016, Viega began production of Viega MegaPress fittings at a new 80,000-square-foot facility on its McPherson campus.
Established in 1928, Hutchinson Community College offers more than 1,300 courses for more than 120 majors. HCC programs are advised by industry leaders, who ensure its programs are meeting employer needs and that its students are workforce-ready. Its programs are also industry certified, increasing employment opportunities for its graduates.
Apply by contacting Viega recruiter, Jeff Glimpse at jeff.glimpse@viega.us or (316) 303-6621.
About Viega:
The Viega Group, with a tradition of innovation for more than 115 years, has more than 4,000 employees worldwide and is among the leading manufacturers of pipe fitting installation technology. In metal press systems for industrial, commercial and residential projects, the company is the global market leader. In the U.S., Viega LLC employs nearly 500 people and offers more than 3,000 products. These include Viega ProPress® for copper and stainless, Viega MegaPress® for black iron pipe and Viega PEX Press systems in Zero Lead™ bronze and high-performance polymer. Viega also specializes in the design, production and installation of ProRadiant™ heating and cooling systems. For more information, visit www.viega.us.