Bill Zoeller
Zoeller Co. names new CEO
Zoeller Co. announced that Bill Zoeller will be the company's new CEO effective May 1. Zoeller’s board of directors, with the support of executive search firm Kensington International, selected Zoeller, previously chief operating officer, to lead the company as CEO upon the retirement of John Zoeller, who has served for 22 years.
“As the chief operating officer at Zoeller Co., Bill Zoeller has shepherded the company through several acquisitions, significant growth and the COVID-19 pandemic, cementing the company’s position as a leader in the water solutions industry,” says Christopher Carmicle, chair of the board at Zoeller Co. Prior to this role, Bill Zoeller served as the president of Louisville Operations and director of risk management of Zoeller Co. Before joining Zoeller Co. in 2011, Zoeller spent more than a decade at LG&E and KU Energy and KPMG.
Plastics Pipe Institute publishes new technical document
A new technical document that addresses the critical differences between crosslinked PEX tubing systems and polybutylene systems has been published by the Plastics Pipe Institute. The initiative was deemed necessary to eliminate any confusion between the two products because of problems associated with polybutylene, which was discontinued. Prepared by PPI’s Building and Construction Division, PPI TN-31 Differences Between Crosslinked Polyethylene and Polybutylene Piping Systems for Potable Water Plumbing Applications discusses the advantages of modern PEX tubing and fittings as compared with PB tubing and fittings, which were last sold in the U.S. during the late 1990s.
CUES software recognized as Esri Cornerstone Partner
CUES GraniteNet Asset Inspection/Decision Support Software was recognized as an Esri Cornerstone Partner at the 2024 Esri Partner Conference on March 10-11 in Palm Springs, California, for 20 years of commitment to Esri and ArcGIS technology. Developed by CUES in 2004, the inclusion of GIS spatial mapping to asset infrastructure data is now used by over 1,000 municipal utilities and contractors.
Viega announces Andreas Reger as new CEO
Viega has appointed Andreas Reger as its new president and CEO. Reger will replace Markus Brettschneider, who was recently appointed as the new global CEO for Viega Group. This strategic move follows the decision of current Global CEO Claus Holst-Gydesen to move to Viega’s supervisory board, after 14 years of leadership, with the last 10 years as global CEO.
RIDGID celebrates 25 years in press technology
RIDGID, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, is celebrating 25 years in press technology. The brand first introduced press technology to North America in 1999 and has continued to help professional tradespeople utilize the platform to drive job site efficiencies. RIDGID offers a product portfolio of innovative solutions that help tradespeople achieve fast, secure and flame-free connections.
IAPMO publishes manual of recommended construction practices for potable water
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and the Construction Practices for Potable Water Task Group has released the publication Manual of Recommended Construction Practices for Potable Water. This manual provides education and guidance to help plumbing professionals responsible for the design, construction and commissioning of water systems to reduce the potential of contaminating plumbing systems during construction. On Sept. 15, 2021, IAPMO initiated the task group to create a manual to provide code enhanced and adoptable language for construction use, related to potable water piping systems and water safety management during the construction phase. The task group consisted of more than 30 industry experts from across the nation, focused on actionable guidance and construction best practices surrounding potable water.
Taco begins expansion project on Massachusetts plant
Taco's expansion of its Fall River, Massachusetts, plant is underway. The over $20 million project greatly enhances and expands the manufacturer’s ability to build larger tanks, heat exchangers and a wide range of other products, while also enabling Taco to add capacity and reduce lead times. Taco Comfort Solutions, based in Cranston, Rhode Island, began making plans for the plant expansion more than a decade ago. Groundbreaking began in early September 2023 and the project is expected to take about 18 months to complete.
Joe Choflet
NIBCO promotes Joe Choflet to VP, sales and marketing
NIBCO has promoted Joe Choflet to vice president, sales and marketing. In his new role, Choflet will continue to lead wholesale, retail, specialty and international sales. He will now oversee product marketing for plastic and metal fittings and valves. Choflet will continue to report to Ashley Martin, president and COO of NIBCO.
Stephen Shafer
A. O. Smith appoints Stephen Shafer to president and COO
A. O. Smith has appointed Stephen Shafer president and chief operating officer. In this role, Shafer will lead the company’s global business units, including operations, engineering and IT. Most recently, he served as president of the Automotive and Aerospace Solutions Division for 3M Company. Prior to 3M, Steve worked for McKinsey & Company and Ford Motor Company holding various roles focusing on manufacturing, supply chain and operational improvement.
Oatey acquires Sweden-based Aktibolaget Durgo
Oatey has acquired Aktibolaget Durgo, a specialty developer and manufacturer of air admittance valves and other pressure regulating valves based in Stockholm, Sweden. For more than 100 years, the company has also embraced state-of-the-art technology to continue to achieve high standards of quality and safety.
Angela Grieb
General Pipe Cleaners promotes Angela Grieb to national sales manager
General Pipe Cleaners has promoted Angela Grieb to national sales manager. In her new role, Grieb will manage, train and support General Pipe Cleaners’ network of independent sales reps, provide customer support and interface with wholesalers, distributors, end users and influencers. She joined the company in 2005 as the executive assistant. During her 19-year career at General Pipe Cleaners, she has performed many roles, including sales support, marketing support, human relations and assistant national sales manager.
Bradford White donates heat pump water heaters
Bradford White continues its commitment to support training the workforce of the future by providing strategic in-kind grant funding to the Center for Employment Training, a national nonprofit technical training school. The grant, which stems from Bradford White’s charitable giving initiative, Industry Forward, includes the purchase of nine 50-gallon AeroTherm heat pump water heaters, which will be used at nine CET training centers across California for training programs.
