Liberty Pumps hosts groundbreaking celebration for new Materials Center

Liberty Pumps hosted a groundbreaking celebration at the site of its upcoming Materials Center. State and local partners as well as Liberty employees attended the event. The 107,000-square-foot expansion will provide additional warehousing and added manufacturing space, the company noted. It is anticipated to support 30 additional jobs at the family- and employee-owned manufacturer.

“Our growth continues to be very strong and we are simply running out of space once again,” said Randall Waldron, Liberty Pumps’ vice president of sales and marketing. “This expansion will provide more efficient material storage, as well as provide additional manufacturing space to accommodate our continued strong growth. The added capacity to our facilities will put us in a position to better support our customers.”

Since opening in 1965, Liberty Pumps has become a manufacturer of sump, effluent and sewage pumps and systems for residential, commercial, municipal and industrial applications.

The project breaking ground will be the third expansion by Liberty Pumps since 2000. Upon completion, Liberty Pumps will have about 350,000 square feet of facilities at its corporate campus in Bergen, New York.

Bradford White announces expansion of For the Pro platform

Bradford White Water Heaters announced the expansion of the For the Pro platform to include a newly branded training option, For the Pro Training Academy.

The For the Pro Training Academy combines the company’s existing in-person training programs with a new, self-paced e-learning option for Bradford White’s valued contractor customers, the manufacturer explained.

“We have always been known for our commitment to hands-on training,” said Dustin Bowerman, senior director – field services for Bradford White Water Heaters. “Now, we’ve extended our training to accommodate the varied and evolving needs of our professional customers.”

Since 2012, Bradford White has trained tens of thousands of plumbing and heating technicians through live, hands-on training in the field or at the International Technical Excellence Center (iTEC) in Middleville, Michigan.

According to Bowerman, the For the Pro Training Academy e-learning also broadens the 24-7 access that pros have to Bradford White.

“We have been providing live, 24-7 technical support through iTEC for more than a decade,” Bowerman said. “Now, our customers can also avail themselves of our training 24-7.”

The first learning path, entitled “Bradford White’s Knowledge Series,” will include topics such as venting, heat transfer principles, water heater essentials and product introductions.

“Providing world-class training is a critical part of our commitment to the professional contractor,” Bowerman said. “It was important for us to evolve and update that commitment in terms of how we deliver our training to the current and next generation of pros.”

For more information regarding all of Bradford White Water Heaters training, please visit www.bradfordwhite.com/training.

Oatey Co. hosts career education workshop

Oatey Co., a manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, hosted a career education workshop for Northeast Ohio Girl Scouts at its Oatey University training facility in Cleveland, welcoming nearly 30 Girl Scouts to learn about careers in manufacturing and STEM.

The program was organized by Oatey’s Women’s Resource Network, an associate resource group dedicated to the professional, personal and leadership development of women. Oatey developed the event as part of the Girl Scouts’ BADGE BOSS program, which connects local professionals with Girl Scouts to share their expertise, advice and passion while enabling the Scouts to earn a relevant Girl Scout badge.

Attendees at Oatey’s workshop, which took place in late October, gained hands-on exposure to careers across manufacturing, while also exploring their own interests and passions, Oatey explained. Key components of the two-hour workshop included:

• A personal-reflection exercise to help Scouts identify how their interests connect to real-world careers;

• A panel discussion in which Oatey associates explained their role in the development and delivery of Oatey products;

• A tour of the Oatey University training facility with hands-on demonstrations of Oatey products; and

• An interactive tower-building team competition, using Oatey Plumber’s Putty and spaghetti.

All Girl Scouts who completed the workshop qualified for their STEM Career Exploration Girl Scout badge.

“It was a privilege for Oatey to host this group of energetic Girl Scouts and share more with them about the many career paths available in STEM and manufacturing,” said Amber Deighton, co-chair of Oatey’s Women’s Resource Network and manager of Oatey University. “Our Women’s Resource Network is passionate about supporting girls and women in our communities, and we are thrilled to establish this partnership with the Girl Scouts.”

Oatey plans to host another BADGE BOSS workshop in 2022 and expand the program to other cities in which it operates, it said. For more information about Oatey University or opportunities to partner with Oatey, visit www.oatey.com or email hello@oatey.com.

Obituary: Matco-Norca cofounder Dov Matz

Matco-Norca announced the death of its cofounder Dov Matz, who passed away on Nov. 8, after a two-year battle with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Matz was 76 years old and is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and daughters, Nora, and Melissa. He is proceeded in death by his son, Michael, who worked alongside him for 20 years at Matco-Norca.

Matz cofounded Matco-Norca in 1952 and spent most of his career leading the company as it grew to the trusted and respected brand it is today. He was treasured by his employees, customers, sales reps and suppliers throughout the industry. He retired from Matco-Norca in 2018, but would often stop by to catch up and see how the business was doing.

“The toughest thing to do with Dov was to attend an industry function,” remembered Jack McDonald, president and CEO of Matco-Norca. “Dov was so well known and respected that attending a trade show was like walking the floor with a celebrity — everyone knew him.”

Matz was an active member of the Mount Kisco Hebrew Congregation and served as president for many years.

“He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him,” the company said.

RWC acquires EZ-FLO

Reliance Worldwide Corp. entered into an unconditional agreement to acquire all the issued shares of EZ-FLO International for $325 million. The business is being acquired from interests associated with EZ-FLO’s founder Saleem Lahlouh.

EZ-FLO is a manufacturer and distributor of plumbing supplies, including plumbing specialty products, appliance supply lines, flexible water connectors, gas connectors and other accessories. Established in 1980, EZ-FLO has grown rapidly by continuously expanding its product range, RWC noted. In 2000, EZ-FLO acquired the EASTMAN brand, a leading brand in large appliance connectors in the U.S. The EASTMAN brand will immediately position RWC as a leader in supporting all those who service major appliance installations, including plumbed appliances, gas, hot water and dryer venting, RWC added.

RWC explained that about half of EZ-FLO’s revenues are generated from products manufactured at its plant located within the Ningbo Free Trade Zone in China, with a further 20% sourced from exclusive third-party manufacturers in China. In the U.S., EZ-FLO has a network of seven distribution centers from which its extensive product range is distributed through 5,000 channel partner outlets.

EZ-FLO’s executive management team will remain with the business following completion.

RWC Group CEO Heath Sharp said the acquisition of EZ-FLO aligns with RWC’s growth strategy and will enhance the company’s market position.

“The acquisition of EZ-FLO is strongly aligned with RWC’s strategy of adding complementary products that broaden the depth of solutions offered to end users and expand our market presence in aligned sectors,” he said. “Together, we manufacture some of the most trusted brands in the industry, including SharkBite, HoldRite, John Guest, Speedfit, and Cash Acme. With EZ-FLO and EASTMAN, the No. 1 brand in the U.S. appliance connector market, we will be positioned as a leader in supporting all those who service major appliance installations.

“The combination of EZ-FLO’s product portfolio, manufacturing and sourcing capabilities, distribution footprint, customer service, performance track record and future growth prospects makes it an important and attractive addition to RWC,” Sharp continued. “We will be seeking to leverage our extensive channel partner network in North America to expand the distribution footprint for EZ-FLO, while at the same time benefiting from EZ-FLO’s strong relationships with retail merchants and OEM customers.

“Customers will benefit from more top-quality products and trusted brands, enhanced fulfillment capabilities and improved service, thanks to a more extensive national warehouse footprint,” Sharp added. “Our combined supply chain capabilities will help ensure products are available where and when our customers need them, strengthening customer service across every channel. Our ‘first-time-right’ performance commitment provides end users with products they can count on, protecting customers’ hard-won reputations.”

Completion, subject to customary conditions, is expected to occur this month.

Barnes joins Centrotherm Eco Systems

Centrotherm Eco Systems,manufacturer of the InnoFlue brand of polypropylene vent systems and accessories, announced a key addition to the sales team.

Jason Barnes joins Centrotherm as regional sales manager covering the Western territory of the United States. Barnes joins Centrotherm with almost two decades of experience. Previously, Barnes worked in the waterworks plant and industrial industry where he helped improve the United States’ outdated water infrastructure, while supporting domestic manufacturing and American jobs, Centrotherm noted.

“It was an easy decision to join Centrotherm,” Barnes explained. “The company exemplifies commitment to the betterment of the HVAC/plumbing industry. I look forward to supporting American jobs, manufacturing and continuing to promote and sell cutting-edge products that will greatly improve the industry.”

PRIER Products earns sustainability award

PRIER Products was honored with a sustainability award for its efforts to reduce unnecessary waste and implement ways to protect the planet via this yearly Kansas City Industrial Council program that recognizes local businesses.

PRIER was among seven organizations receiving an award, including Bayer CropScience, Kansas City Testing & Engineering, Metropolitan Community College, The RMR Group, J. Reiger & Co., and Kansas City Water.

“We work hard to reduce waste and take necessary steps to create a cleaner and more sustainable company,” PRIER Vice President of Manufacturing Brady Poskin said. “Our team and partners identified ways we could make a significant impact. We began implementing changes and quickly realized the results from our efforts.”

Efforts that led to the award include:

• PRIER installed solar panels on each of its buildings, allowing the company to significantly cut its carbon footprint. Motion-detected LED lighting is used throughout the warehouse and offices to further reduce energy costs. PRIER saves more than 330,000 kilowatt-hours per year; enough to power 30 houses for more than a year;

• In the past year, PRIER recycled more than 150 tons of brass, 6 tons of copper and other metals, and 25,000 cubic feet of cardboard. PRIER’s products are manufactured in the heartland of the United States, reducing the transportation costs and minimizing environmental factors associated with shipping, especially from manufactures based outside the U.S.; and

• All of PRIER’s products are designed to the highest standards developed by the American Society for Sanitary Engineers (ASSE). Through engineering and design modifications, PRIER reduced the number of SKUs stocked by customers by more than 50%.

“We’re on a mission to help people, protect the planet and make a profit,” CEO Joe Poskin said. “We’ve dedicated resources to ensure we hit our goals each year, which include utilizing renewable energy, recycling and sustainable design and manufacturing techniques. It’s wonderful to be recognized for the difference we’re making, not only in the Kansas City area but across all of North America for our various customers and distribution channels.”

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America announces start of 2022 F-Series production

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, distributor of low cab forward (LCF) trucks, announced production of its highly anticipated 2022 F-Series trucks has started. The new F-Series is powered by the Cummins B6.7 diesel engine and offers models in both Class 6 and — new for Isuzu — Class 7.

The F-Series trucks are the first product to come to market from the Isuzu Cummins Powertrain Partnership (ICPP) between Isuzu Motors Limited and Cummins Inc. The F-Series trucks are being assembled in Charlotte, Michigan.

“The advanced, more powerful Cummins B6.7 engine will create new opportunities for our dealers,” said Shaun Skinner, president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. “We now offer a complete range of Class 3 through 5 gasoline-powered models and Class 4 through 7 diesel-powered trucks, by far the widest range of low cab forward trucks in the marketplace.

Three F-Series models are available:

• Class 6 FTR: 25,950-lb. GVWR;

• Class 6 FVR Derate: 25,950-lb. GVWR; and

• Class 7 FVR: 33,000-lb. GVWR.

F-Series Models:

• Are available in eight wheelbases, from 152 to 248 inches, accommodating bodies from 14 to 30 feet in length;

• Can be equipped with air suspension;

• Offer a 50- or 100-gallon fuel tank based on wheelbase; and

• Come in a standard cab configuration with three-across seating.

The low cab forward design’s longer cab-to-axle (CA) dimension provides Isuzu F-Series trucks more cargo capacity vs. conventional cab competitors with a comparable wheelbase, Isuzu stated. This gives customers more versatility with their body application choices to accommodate heavier or bulkier cargo loads, the manufacturer added.

The FTR also is available with optional low-profile tires.

Every 2022 Isuzu F-Series model is equipped with the most powerful version of the Cummins B6.7 Efficiency Series, This legendary 6.7-liter, the inline six-cylinder diesel engine produces 260 horsepower and 660 lb.-ft. of torque.

“The Cummins B6.7 has a legacy that goes back almost 40 years, so we’re excited to see it in the Isuzu F-Series,” said Rob Neitzke, executive director of Cummins on-highway OEM business. “It gives Class 6 and 7 truck buyers in the U.S. and Canadian markets new ways to experience the B6.7 with configurations that didn’t exist before today.”

The Cummins B6.7 is mated to an automatic six-speed Allison RDS transmission (2550 Series with park pawl for FTR, 2500 Series with no park pawl for FVR. This robust powertrain is engineered to provide the optimum blend of power that drivers demand with the fuel economy and reliability that owners enjoy, Isuzu stated.

As with all Isuzu trucks, the FTR and FVR offer superb maneuverability, visibility and comfort, Isuzu stated. Drivers will appreciate the 50-degree inner wheel cut that gives the Isuzu F-Series class-leading turning diameters between 43.7 feet (for 152-inch wheelbase models) and 65 feet (for models with the 248-in. wheelbase). Isuzu’s low cab forward design, along with new LED headlamps, will give drivers greater visibility than ever, it stated.

And Isuzu’s rugged chassis and dependable Hexapod cab, together with the new Cummins/Allison powertrain, promise to maintain Isuzu’s long-standing reputation for low total cost of ownership, the manufacturer stated.

The 2022 Isuzu F-Series will be available at Isuzu’s network of more than 300 dealerships, located in all 50 states, beginning November 2021.

Uponor announces national distribution agreement with Winsupply

Uponor North America announced a national distribution agreement with Winsupply to stock Uponor PP-RCT piping, fittings and accessories at select Winsupply local companies and two distribution centers across the U.S.

“We are excited to announce this new partnership with Winsupply, as they are committed to broadening polymer piping offerings into their channels with strategic partners like Uponor,” said Chris Budion, vice president of sales at Uponor North America. “We are confident this agreement will create growth opportunities for both companies, as we work together to provide customers with the convenience and efficiency of a complete polymer piping solution from one trusted source.”

“Winsupply is eager to help Uponor pioneer this product line,” added Bruce Pilbeam, product manager, rough-in plumbing, Winsupply. “PP-RCT has shown enormous growth potential in the commercial sector. Winsupply and our local companies are excited to support bringing Uponor PP-RCT to market.”

In addition to stocking Uponor’s PP-RCT piping system, Winsupply is already leveraging Uponor’s commercial training team with hands-on instruction, as well as virtual learning, through Uponor Academy Online. “We are setting Winsupply up for success by ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to confidently sell the benefits of PP-RCT, and safely instruct their customers on proper installation,” Budion said.

Available in sizes from 1/2-inch to 12 inches, the Uponor PP-RCT piping system is ideal for use in hydronic heating hot water, chilled water and industrial applications, including condenser water, geothermal, compressed air and vacuum and direct-burial applications.

Uponor offers a 10-year limited warranty on all PP-RCT products. For hybrid Uponor PP-RCT and PEX-a systems, the company offers a 10-year limited warranty on PP-RCT to complement the 25-year transferable limited warranty on all its PEX-a pipe and ProPEX fittings.