Griggs Moody of Milwaukee Tool demos the MX Fuel Pipe Threading Machine at PHCC CONNECT.

Aalberts integrated piping systems (IPS), a global leader in advanced integrated piping systems for the distribution and control of liquids and gasses, is excited to announce its participation in the upcoming ASPE Convention & Expo, taking place from October 18-23, 2024 in Columbus, OH. Aalberts IPS will be exhibiting at booth #1815, where attendees can explore the company’s latest innovations, services, and product lines, designed to deliver complete, tailored piping solutions across industries.

Aalberts IPS is renowned for its mission-critical products surrounding valve and connection technology, with a legacy spanning 96 years under its “Apollo”® Valves brand. The company offers a wide range of products, including: ball valves, butterfly valves, safety relief valves, control valves, mixing valves, backflow preventers, and more. These products are engineered domestically to meet the needs of key verticals from commercial to industrial and utility markets globally.

At the ASPE Convention & Expo, Aalberts IPS’ booth will feature key information about the company’s design and field services, as well as products like the Revit plug-in among the Shurjoint and “Apollo”® product lines. Aalberts IPS provides expert advice and support for piping applications, from the initial planning stages to the final implementation of piping systems. Their unique design service ensures that every project is optimized for efficiency and effectiveness. Additionally, Aalberts IPS offers a comprehensive range of field services to ensure that piping systems are installed correctly and operate efficiently. Their experienced team provides on-site support, from installation to maintenance, ensuring long-term system reliability with minimal downtime.

Booth visitors will be able to witness the Aalberts IPS Revit plug-in, a powerful tool designed to streamline the design process, allowing engineers and architects to easily integrate Aalberts IPS products into their projects. This plug-in enhances project accuracy and efficiency, ensuring things are done right the first time and minimizing costly extended lead times. The Shurjoint range of mechanical piping solutions, which will also be highlighted at the event, is known for its versatility and ease of installation. This product line is designed to offer reliable and extremely durable pipe connections for a variety of piping systems whereas the “Apollo” SmartPress® line of press fittings and valves offer quick and secure connections, reducing installation time and costs while ensuring long-term reliability.

The St. Louis Road Tour host, Jeff Urbanski.

Mechanical Hub recently caught up with the HammerHead Trenchless team at its St. Louis stop on the HammerHead Road Tour 2024. There, around 35 contractors took in this “lunch and learn”-type setting to get more acquainted with HammerHead product and service offerings. Right from the jump, there was a high priority on safety. “Safety is the foundation of everything we do,” says Jeff Urbanski, senior manager, training and marketing with HammerHead—and our trenchless professor for the day.

Of interest to the Mechanical Hub team were the three live demos—assisted by Thomas Davies, application specialist—which started with CIPP point repairs, which included the point repair process with a standard packer wrapped in fiberglass coated in resin inserted into a PVC DWV pipe.

Thomas Davies prepares the standard packer wrapped in a resin-coated fiberglass sheath.

Next, the group ventured outside to watch the lateral clay pipe bursting demo— initiated by Nate Hrabosky, regional sales manager and assisted by Davies—using HammerHead’s PortaBurst PB30 machine. The rugged PortaBurst system replaces 2 to 6″ lateral pipes with up to 30-tons of pulling force.

And saving perhaps the best for last, attendees get to see Hammerhead’s proprietary BlueLight LED CIPP lining system in full effect. The Bluelight LED CIPP lining system for laterals and small drain pipes is the most advanced light-curing system available. The LED light head up to five times faster than other methods. The specially formulated resin only cures under light in the “blue” wavelength, giving installers a significantly longer working time between liner wet-out and curing. Once installed, the automated curing system pulls the LED light head through the liner, curing the resin almost instantly—up to five times faster than other methods. Instead of waiting hours for the liner to cure, a 50-foot sewer line could be fully cured in under 10 minutes.

Nate Hrabosky readies the PortaBurst PB30 machine for a clay pipe bursting demo.

In fact, contractor friend Diego Lujan, president, Alphalete Plumbing Drain & Sewer Rehab (@alphalete_plumbing_drain_sewer), Colorado Springs, Colo., gives high marks for the Bluelight CIPP system. “At Alphalete Plumbing, we absolutely love using the HammerHead Translucent Blue Light CIPP Liner Cure Machine. It’s been a complete game-changer for us,” says Lujan.

“The speed and efficiency this machine delivers are unparalleled, making pipeline repairs easier, more reliable, and environmentally friendly. We can’t imagine using anything else—it’s forever our go-to for trenchless technology.”

Urbanski discusses BlueLight’s diagnostics and intuitive touchscreen interface, which is easy to learn and operate. Simply input the job specs and the system will automatically set pull-back speed.

The Road Tour is a great way to get up close and personal with HammerHead products. Nonetheless, the team is equally as excited to get on job sites across the country as well. “We love being on job sites, and we love solving problems,” says Urbanski.

Be sure to check out HammerHead on the road.

Remaining HammerHead Road Tour

• Raleigh, N.C. — July 16
• Des Moines, Iowa — July 23
• Salt Lake City — August 27
• Lake Mills, Wis. — More info coming soon!

Allen Stanley has been promoted to vice president, fittings manufacturing and distribution, and Rudy Smith to vice president, valve manufacturing.

Elkhart, Ind. — NIBCO INC. has announced the promotion of Allen Stanley to vice president, fittings manufacturing and distribution, and Rudy Smith to vice president, valve manufacturing.

Both Stanley and Smith will report to Ashley Martin, president and COO, NIBCO.

Allen Stanley

“Allen and Rudy have long careers with NIBCO and the knowledge and expertise that they both bring to these roles will be valuable for the success of our organization,” said Martin. “Join me in congratulating them on their well-deserved promotions.”

In this new role, Stanley has responsibility for the Stuarts Draft, Virginia manufacturing operations and the Demand Planning department, along with his current responsibilities for the U.S. distribution centers, world headquarters logistics, and all plastic manufacturing facilities.

Stanley began his career in 1997 at NIBCO as administrative manager at the Atlanta Distribution Center. He held a variety of roles of increasing responsibility including operations manager at the Elkhart Distribution Center, manager, distribution and transportation, and most recently, director, plastic fittings manufacturing and distribution.

Stanley holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia. He also earned his master’s degree in marketing from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Rudy Smith

In his new role, Smith will have responsibility for NIBCO’s Blytheville, Arkansas, facility, along with the company’s Nacogdoches, Texas, McAllen, Texas, and Reynosa, Mexico facilities.

Smith began his career at NIBCO in 1996 in logistics at NIBCO’s world headquarters. Two years later, he was promoted and transferred as operations manager of NIBCO’s Nacogdoches facility. He held various roles from production superintendent, plant superintendent, plant manager, and most recently, senior plant manager at Reynosa, prior to his new role.

Rudy holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Rice University, in Houston, Texas.