Supplier & Product Update

Oatey Co. Announces Managerial Appointments

Oatey Co. recently announced new managerial appointments including the promotion of Patrick Aquino to vice president of sales, wholesale plumbing.

Aquino joined Oatey nearly five years ago as northeast regional sales manager and has since gained progressive responsibility as national sales manager and, most recently, as director of rough plumbing and commercial sales. With more than 15 years of experience in sales and business development, Aquino will use his deep knowledge of the plumbing industry to lead Oatey’s regional sales managers, commercial sales team and showroom sales team.

Oatey Co. also promoted Adrien Scherer to manager, commercial health care sales, and John Waters to technical specialist, commercial sales.

Scherer joined Oatey nearly three and a half years ago as technical specialist, commercial sales. In his new role he will apply his deep knowledge of the plumbing industry to grow Oatey’s business within the health care vertical. By developing relationships across the health care industry, he will help continue to position Oatey as the brand of choice, while increasing opportunities with new customers.

Waters joined Keeney Manufacturing LLC, which Oatey acquired late last year, more than three years ago as regional sales manager. In his new role, he will support Oatey’s commercial sales process by influencing specification work within the engineering community. Providing best-in-class support to customers in the field, he will be responsible for winning specifications across all Oatey brands and working with engineering firms in his territory.

Oatey Co. also promoted Dalithia Smith, SPHR, CCP, SHRM-SCP, to vice president and chief human resources officer.

Smith joined Oatey more than two years ago as vice president, human resources. With more than 20 years of experience in acquisition and overall HR strategy. Prior to joining Oatey, she spent 10 years at Lincoln Electric, most recently as vice president, human resources, Americas welding.

As chief human resources officer, Smith will continue to lead all HR functions at Oatey and will also have responsibility for environmental, health, safety and security as well as diversity, equity and inclusion.

Darryl Jones is now serving as manager, commercial sales training, and Karen Fox has been promoted to national showroom sales manager.

Jones joined the QuickDrain USA organization more than five years ago and has served as manager, showroom sales, since Oatey acquired Quick-Drain in 2017. In his new role, Jones will leverage his passion for training and coaching to educate both internal and external partners on key commercial sales products and initiatives. He will lead and execute training across multiple segments in Oatey’s wholesale channel and will be critical in supporting key sales and marketing efforts to drive growth.

Fox joined Keeney Manufacturing LLC, which Oatey acquired late last year, nearly 30 years ago as a sales manager, most recently serving as national manager of wholesale. In her new role, Fox will be the point person for Oatey’s showroom sales process in support of the QuickDrain USA Brand. She will build relationships with showrooms, train sales representatives, and grow new and existing products in this space.

For more information, visit oatey.com.

Berry Global Appoints New Sales Director

Berry Global appointed Brian Hommel to the role of sales director for the industrial and HVAC tapes business segments. He has more than 25 years of tape ex- Brian Hommel perience including several years each with both IPG and 3M/Venture Tape.

Hommel has served as sales director for Berry’s Industrial and International Tapes groups since 2015. His role has been expanded to allow him to bring his wealth of sales management experience and history in the HVAC industry to Berry’s HVAC business as well.

For more information, visit berryglobal.com.

Anvil International, Smith-Cooper International SPF Brand Change

Now that Anvil International and Smith-Cooper International has merged, the company is transitioning the SPF brand to the SCI brand on the malleable, ductile iron, cast iron and nipple product lines. The change in the product will be the branding only (stamped logo, packaging and label), while the fit, form, function and approvals of the product will not change.

For more information, visit anvilintl.com.

Cherne Launches Mechanical Cleanout Plugs

Cherne, a part of the Oatey family of brands, has introduced mechanical cleanout plugs that are durable, effective and easy-to-use features making it simple to test a DWV system.

Available in 2", 3" or 4" configurations, Cherne Mechanical Cleanout Plugs are built for quick and easy mechanical operation. The plug’s two-stage locking mechanism locks firmly in for both test and drain positions, allowing for high-pressure testing up to 150 feet head/65 psi/15 floors (at 10 feet head per floor). Built with durable and replaceable rubber pads, the plugs fit PVC, ABS and cast-iron cleanout tees. They can be installed or removed in seconds without requiring any tools, and no backsplash draining will occur.

For more information, visit oatey.com.

NIBCO Offers Additions to Bronze Ball Valves Line, PressACR fittings

NIBCO Inc. has introduced additional configurations of its 585HP (high-performance) bronze ball valves line. Designed for commercial and industrial applications, the lead-free 585HP ball valve line allows for easier installation, adjustability and long service life.

New configurations in this phase include thread x press end connections for sizes 1/2" to 2" and hose cap and chain for sizes 1/2" and 3/4" for solder, press and threaded end connections. All 585HP valves are North American-made and have the following listings and certifications: MSS-SP110/145; IAPMO/ANSI Z1157; NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-8 Commercial Hot 180° F; NSF/ANSI 372; ICC-ES PMG-1558 and ASME A112.4.14/CSA B125.14.

The new configurations feature the same evolutionary design as the original 585HP including the patented laser-welded construction which eliminates the threaded body to body-end connection allowing for a higher operating pressure up to 1,000 CWP and 150 SWP, and operating temperature up to 250° F.

NIBCO has also launched PressACR fittings, a joining method designed for use in copper tube systems for air conditioning and refrigeration applications. PressACR is approved for use with a wide range of refrigerants and lubricants and creates a safer installation as there is no flame or fire hazard with press technology.

NIBCO PressACR fittings are UL recognized to 700 PSI and feature a gray Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber seal to help differentiate them from other NIBCO press products. Straight and reducing couplings, 45 and 900 degree elbows, caps, Y-joints, and tees are available in sizes ¼", ½", 3/8", 5/16", 5/8", 7/8" and 1-1/8".

For more information, visit nibco.com.

Afcon Adds New Seismic Bracing Solutions

Afcon has added the cULus-listed and FM-approved figure AF700 Universal Swivel Attachment and figure AF730 Longitudinal and Lateral Seismic Clamp. Both are available in Anvil’s Seisbrace seismic bracing design soft-ware allowing fast, accurate zone of influence calculations and include:

• Unmatched prying factors
• Higher design loads for concrete installations
• Visual verification of torque

For more information, visit anvilintl.com.

T&S Updates Antimicrobial Faucet Handles

T&S Brass and Bronze Works has updated its antimicrobial-coated faucet handles.

The antimicrobial coating, available as an option on freshly redesigned wrist-action, four-arm and lever handles, provides a barrier against microorganisms like bacteria, molds, mildew and fungi. The coating creates an environment where these microbes lose their ability to grow and flourish.

Laboratory tests have shown that antimicrobial-coated metal harbors almost no bacteria 24 hours after ap-plication, whereas nontreated metal demonstrates significant bacterial growth in the same period.

Particularly in sensitive and high-traffic environments, antimicrobial coatings provide a valuable boost to the critical disease- and contagion-fighting work of proper hand washing and hygiene.

The antimicrobial coating on T&S faucet handles is a clear finish that is fingerprint-resistant and lasts the life of the product.

For more information, visit tsbbrass.com.

New Commercial Boilers & Volume Water Heaters

Bradford White has launched new Brute OmniTech commercial boilers and volume water heaters.

For more information, visit bradfordwhite.com.

Dearborn Introduces True Blue Bath Waste with Finished Drain Spuds

Dearborn, a part of the Oatey family of brands, announced that its True Blue Bath Waste line is now available with Finished Drain Spuds in all designer finishes. Innovative, flexible and designed with the plumber in mind, True Blue’s integrated locking features reduce the number of tools needed for installation, saving time and frustration. Now offering drain spuds in five designer finishes, True Blue is more versatile than ever.

For more information, visit oatey.com.

PRIER Launches Freezeless Shower

Consider Vinyl Gloves a Viable Alternative

In the era of COVID-19, with personal hygiene at the top of everyone’s mind, demand for disposable gloves has gone through the roof. Problem is, so have prices.

Inventory is difficult to come by and distributors are faced with tough choices: Do you continue to sell more expensive gloves or take a sabbatical from carrying a product that your clients undoubtedly are clamoring for?

Nitrile gloves, of course, are in the highest demand. It is the best all-around material in terms of puncture resistance and chemical protection. It also has comfort to rival latex without any of the proteins that can aggravate latex sensitivities.

There is another option. Vinyl is an excellent all-around glove material that provides a comfortable fit, tactile sensitivity and resistance to common chemicals and cleaning solutions. And it delivers real value.

Vinyl is a synthetic material made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) monomers, with a plasticizer added to make it flexible (without it, the PVC would be rigid, as it is when used to make pipe). It’s inexpensive to create, making it a cost-effective alternative for applications that involve frequent glove changes.

Less elastic than nitrile and latex, vinyl has a loose fit and a smooth, comfortable feel. Because it has no latex proteins, it will not cause allergic reactions to natural rubber.

Vinyl gloves are a great fit and low-cost solution for plumbing and light industrial needs. Too often when you see “value” attached to a product, it’s easy to think “cheap,” an inferior item sold at a lower cost. With vinyl gloves being manufactured better than ever, though, value means you don’t have to sacrifice quality for savings.

Whether industrial or exam grade, vinyl gloves deliver good barrier protection for light-duty jobs involving common cleaning solutions and other non-hazardous materials. In medical grade they protect against bodily fluids, bloodborne pathogens and environmental contaminants.

All signs point to glove prices remaining high well into 2021. If you have never considered vinyl a viable alternative, this might be the time to start.

For more information, visit ammex.com.

Norgas Launches New Website

Norgas has launched a new website, which is easy to navigate and features a regulator sizing tool.

Visit the new website at norgas.com.

Uponor Launches New Website

Uponor North America has consolidated its three previous websites into one to help visitors easily access detailed content more efficiently and effectively, even while on the job site.

The resource center offers access to manuals, specifications, design software, catalog files in a PDF format, bulletins, computer-aided design details, forms, checklists and other important literature for specifiers, designers, installers and service technicians.

The online catalog delivers detailed product information and descriptions, as well as advanced search, filter and sorting capabilities.

Visit the new website at uponor-usa.com.

New Curb Stop/Check Valves and Compression Fittings

Liberty Pumps recently added curb stops to its line of accessories. They feature durable 316 stainless steel construction, 200 PSI working pressure and a compact one-piece design with curb stop clean out and check valve.

They are available in three different sizes:

• 1-1/4"
• 1-1/2"
• 2"

Compression fit connector/adapters are also available for HDPE and PE pipe (sold separately).

For more information, visit libertypumps.com.

Oatey Recognizes Essential Manufacturing Workers

Oatey Co. recognized its manufacturing workforce during a “Manufacturing Week” celebration. In addition to the invaluable efforts of Oatey’s manufacturing workforce year-round, their contributions as essential workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic have further highlighted the importance of the manufacturing industry.

“At Oatey, we are proud to have been a part of the manufacturing industry for more than 100 years,” said Kevin Ellman, vice president of manufacturing and distribution at Oatey. “Now more than ever, we are deeply appreciative of the hard work and commitment of our manufacturing associates.”

With eight manufacturing facilities worldwide, Oatey manufactures millions of products each year, ranging from cements, supply boxes, drains and flanges to bath waste, underground waterworks, shower systems and much more. Throughout the Manufacturing Week celebration, Oatey spotlighted manufacturing associates across the company who make a difference each day through their talent and dedication.

For more information, visit oatey.com.

Mill-Rose Introduces Monster Wipes, OXY-Clutch

Monster Wipes Industrial Towels, tough, synthetic-based disposable wipes offering superior wet strength and versatility, are now available from Clean-Fit Products, a division of The Mill-Rose Company.

With 550% absorbent capacity, Monster Wipes are great for cleaning up water, solvent and oil-based spills. Their latex-free fabric is soft and virtually lint free for delicate wiping applications, while providing superior strength for cleaning grease and grime off tools, parts and a range of hard surfaces. Tough and versatile, they allow for repeated use, yet are disposable whenever a clean towel is needed.

The Clean-Fit Products division of The Mill-Rose Company has also introduced Monster OXY-Clutch,a new specially formulated thread sealant for high-pressure, pure oxygen piping systems.

OXY-Clutch is PTFE enriched and provides superior sealing characteristics, is inert, noncorrosive and nonflammable, and contains no VOCs, silicone or hydrocarbons. This unique thread sealant has an effective temperature range from -320°F to 450°F (-196°C to 232°C) at pressures up to 2,600 PSI (180 BAR). Blue Monster® OXY-Clutch is tested for Autoignition Temperature according to the stringent standard of ASTM G-72.

For more information, visit cleanfit.com.