Industrial PVF has had a tough time recently, but despite an economic slowdown, wholesalers look for better this year.

For the last several years, members of the industrial pipe, valves and fittings industry have optimistically projected improvement in the market. But with the possible exception of stainless-steel companies -- which had nowhere to go but up -- PVF firms repeatedly have had to bite the bullet and say, "Well, maybe next year ... "

The situation is no different for 2001. Some industrial-PVF distributors have already seen changes in their customer base that will kick start their sales. Thad Chesson, vice president and treasurer of The Massey Co., Mount Holly, N.C., reported a depressed industrial market and lack of project work in its market. But he sees improved prospects in Massey's chemical-plant customers during the last quarter of 2000, and he expects that improvement to hold into the new year.