IRRIGATION

This year’s IA Show was co-located with the National Ground Water Association’s Groundwater Week, effectively doubling the exhibit space and facilitating cross-industry networking between irrigation and groundwater professionals. It was a vibrant event that integrated New Orleans culture, featuring networking events like the Big Easy Brewfest and exhibits by many IMARK suppliers.

Along with our many booth visits, one special note was the Underhill International Booth. Highlights included:

• The new Power Blast cleaning system, a wallounted pressure washer with a self-retracting reel. The company also showcased its expanded lines of Featherweight hoses and various professional-grade watering tools. This featured product is a wall-mounted 3000 PSI pressure washer system that includes a self-retracting reel with 50 feet of cable, a gun and all necessary nozzles.
• Featherweight EVO Hoses: The exhibit promoted the new and improved Featherweight series, known for being lightweight yet durable, with high flow rates comparable to PVC hoses and a kink-free design.
• New Merchandising: Underhill showcased updated product displays and merchandising options aimed at helping distributors and retailers enhance their in-store presentations.
• Professional Tools: The company displayed its full range of professional irrigation products and accessories, including the new PowerFlow Hose Splitter and PowerGulp battery operated hand pump.

And while the Underhill booth was a popular one with many in attendance, we also enjoyed the opportunity to visit with many of our key supplier partners, including Watts, Hinkley, AY MacDonald, ADS, NDS, Midland Industries, Matco-Norca, Spears, Seymour Midwest, Oatey, Westlake and Flint & Walling.

The Irrigation Association announced that the next show will take place in Las Vegas in December of 2026.

WATERWORKS

The strategic addition of Star Pipe Products to the IMARK Waterworks supplier line card in 2025 represents a landmark win for the waterworks membership. As a domestic leader in iron fittings, joint restraints and municipal castings, Star Pipe fills a critical niche, providing members with a powerhouse alternative for essential infrastructure components.

For IMARK members, the immediate benefit is enhanced supply chain resilience. By integrating Star’s expansive distribution network and deep inventory of UL-listed and FM-approved products, independent distributors gain the scale needed to compete with national chains. The partnership ensures that members can fulfill large-scale municipal contracts with high-quality, reliable iron products while benefiting from superior service and competitive programs inherent to the IMARK-Star relationship.

Looking ahead, 2026 is defined by unprecedented infrastructure demand. With trillions of dollars in EPA-identified needs and a surge in data center construction, the waterworks sector is entering a golden era of growth. By aligning now, IMARK members are perfectly positioned to capture this momentum. The synergy between IMARK’s continued commitment to growth and our members’ entrepreneurial spirit ensures that 2026 will be a year of scaled operations, increased market share and robust profitability.

PVF

The addition of a premier manufacturer of stainless steel and alloy pipe fittings to the IMARK PVF vertical in early January 2026 marks a transformative moment for IMARK and its PVF members. As we transition into 2026, the high impact of this partnership will be felt across the industrial, energy and petrochemical sectors, where the demand for high-integrity components is at an all-time high.

For IMARK members, this alliance provides immediate access to an expansive domestic inventory of missioncritical fittings. By securing a reliable flow of specialty alloys and stainless products, independent distributors are now better equipped to challenge national competitors on large-scale capital projects. The integration streamlines the procurement of complex piping solutions, ensuring that members can offer the technical precision required for modern infrastructure and industrial maintenance..

Looking toward 2026 and beyond, the "world of opportunity" is vast. With the resurgence of domestic manufacturing and the expansion of renewable energy facilities, the need for specialized PVF solutions has never been greater. This partnership empowers members to capture market share in high-growth niches, leveraging a robust supply chain to drive profitability. In 2026, the synergy created by this new alliance will serve as a catalyst for sustained growth, positioning members as the preferred partners for the nation's most demanding industrial builds.