Edward J. Nierman, a founding partner of Canton, Massachusetts-based Independent Pipe & Supply, Canton, Massachusetts passed away on January 15, 2022, at 98 years of age. Nierman was a pioneering giant in the world of pipe, valves and fittings. A man of modest upbringing, he joined his parents in their small, used plumbing supply business. He and his brother Al expanded the business in 1950 into Independent Pipe & Supply.
By Sally Boyer, Manager of Marketing Communications — NIBCO
November 11, 2021
The recent chaos and gloom that we’ve experienced during the global pandemic has taught us several important lessons, including resilience and strength.
On Oct. 15, the American Supply Association submitted public comments opposing two Tentative Interim Amendments (TIA) that if passed, would remove the use of press-connect and mechanical joints in refrigeration systems under the 2018 and 2021 versions of the IAPMO Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC).
Midland Industries announced the acquisition of Century Brass Products, a distributor of primarily machined brass fittings and valves to the plumbing industry across the US.
NIBCO introduces its Wrot Racer push fittings, a new line of copper push fittings engineered to join copper, CPVC-CTS, PEX and PE-RT (with stiffeners) for easy transition between piping systems. With a patented fitting design, installations are easily made within seconds. NIBCO notes.
The Producer Price Index for copper tube and fittings was up 0.1% month-over-month (-2.8% in the last update), but was up 74.8% year-over-year (up 85.8% Y/Y last month).
Nickel prices have increased over the past 30 days to @$8.94 per lb. ($8.72 in the last update). Warehouse levels were sharply lower again this month at 177,078 tons (202,896 tons in the last update).
Producer prices for HDPE pipe were up 4.6% M/M (up 8.1% last month) and were up 61.5% Y/Y (up 58.1% Y/Y last month). Plastic pipe fittings and unions were up 2.6% M/M (up 6.3% last month) and were up 41.2% Y/Y (up 31.8% last month).
RLS, manufacturer of the Rapid Locking System line of flame-free press-to-connect fittings for HVAC and refrigeration systems, announced it will be moving into a new 80,000 square foot multipurpose facility in St. Louis, Missouri, which will serve as its corporate headquarters and will include a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, training center and showroom.