Plumbing Connection 1-2015

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2 6 PLUMBING CONNECTION AUTUMN 2015
In March 1998 Valvtec was acquired by Tyco Flow Control
and as a result, moved to a new premises and gained access
to research & development funds.
“Over a period of years we came up with the 03 model
which we still make in Australia and export around the
world today. We export our valves to New Zealand, Asia and
Europe. Everything else in the market is imported. We’re
the only Australian manufacturers of backflow valves. We
do import smaller components that go into the valves but
all of the assembly, QA, testing, engineering and marketing
is done here in Australia, particularly at the Eagle Farm
manufacturing plant in Brisbane.
The backflow division plant is made up of a dozen
employees, three of whom have been with the company
since its backflow inception in 1992.
“There’s a lot of experience in the manufacturing team
and by building a reputable product and creating a good
working environment, we’ve managed to keep our employees
loyal. This experience is second to none and is testament to
the quality of product we build. Even our newest member has
14 years experience in the industry.”
Unfortunately, as Mick explains, “The market has become
so commodity based over the past fifteen years, that selling
a locally made product no longer carries the same selling
power as it did in the early days. Being Aussie-made meant
something twenty to thirty years ago. Nowadays, if products
are made here and are slightly dearer than inferior valves
from overseas, guess what? It becomes a numbers game.”
It is a sentiment that resonates across a large number
of products and industries in this day and age; however,
despite this attitude, the valves are more in demand than
ever.
“Backflow valves are a growing area for Pentair with 2014
being one of our best years sales-wise.
“We know where the market is – the Americans swap
distributors now and then so the first thing they do is
reduce pricing to the market place because they have no
experience and technical history, price is all they can offer.
We offer a differential – our product is different in terms
ABOVE: Pentair offer their valves in various orientations
such as the cabinet above.
Pentair Valves
of performance and materials so we keep the market at a
higher level. We find that some customers initially purchase
a cheaper valve, but once that valve becomes problematic
after 12-18 months they’ll come to us for a valve that is
trouble free for years to come.
“Yes our product is locally made; however our main
marketing pitch revolves around the quality. Some imported
products utilise plastic materials that can only withstand
40 degrees while we use stainless steel that can withstand
up to 90 degrees. We really promote the performance of
the valves as well as the history because we’ve been in the
market for such a long time.”
Pentair Valves & Controls make commercial and industrial
type valves suitable for all applications including high
hazard, medium hazard and low hazard for fire services and
the like.
It’s understandable that companies are trying to save
money but buying inferior products in such a high-risk area
can be detrimental to employees and the customers they
serve.
“If we don’t support the Aussie manufacturers, we could
go the way of Toyota, Holden and Ford and have to import
everything, which often includes inferior products.”
Next time you’re on the market for a backflow valve, think
Aussie-made.
AUSSIE-MADE
IF WE DON’T SUPPORT THE
AUSSIE MANUFACTURERS, WE
COULD GO THE WAY OF TOYOTA,
HOLDEN AND FORD AND HAVE TO
IMPORT EVERYTHING, WHICH OFTEN
INCLUDES INFERIOR PRODUCTS.