Plumbing Connection Spring 2016

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PLUMBING CONNECTION

SPRING 2016

manufacturing perspective. In a day and age when

negativity is too often highlighted in the media, particularly

when it comes to the manufacturing industry in Australia, it

is important to celebrate the innovative product solutions

being produced in our own backyard.

Engineering manager Reliance Worldwide Corporation

Gary Hay presented the room with the Aussie-made success

story of SharkBite. The push-to-connect system makes

connecting PEX pipe quick and easy and can be used for

both hot and cold systems.

The production process is fully automated with minimal

human interaction involved. Reliance Worldwide produce a

staggering 100,000 fittings per day, in Melbourne, Victoria

and are exporting 1.5 million units to the United States

every month.

Another success story came out of Caroma and head of

research and development GWA Bathrooms & Kitchens Dr

Steve Cummings spoke of the work Caroma has been doing

in the area of rimless toilets, a technology filtering its way

into the Australian market after making waves in Europe.

Delegates were able to ask the pertinent questions during

panel discussions once afternoon had concluded and

session four began. As anticipated, a large proportion of

attendees stayed to be part of the open forum, making this

portion of the day one of the most important.

Some healthy debate ensued and delegates were given the

opportunity to ask the decision makers some of the burning

questions many had been likely holding on to for quite some

time. To be able to ask the key decision makers in person is

worth its weight in gold and suggestions were made for the

length of the open forum to be extended at the next event.

Overall, this year’s Plumbing Supply Forum was once again

a fantastic opportunity for attendees to network; discuss

the latest issues affecting their role in the industry and the

solutions being developed to counter them.

The record turnout only reiterates the importance of such

industry events, and the wealth of information exchanged

will only pave the way for industry to be better educated, and

therefore better prepared, to face the challenges that lie

ahead.

IMAGE 4:

Delegates were engaged by a range of topics and

speakers over the course of the day.

IMAGE 5:

Anne-Maree

Campbell, director product certification ABCB.

IMAGE 6:

Steve Keeling, general manager accreditation JAS-ANZ.

IMAGE 7:

Panel discussions allowed delgates to ask some

pertinent questions.

PRESENTED BY PLUMBING CONNECTION MAGAZINE IN CONJUNCTION WITH PPI GROUP

PLUMBING CONNECTION MAGAZINE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK THE ABOVE SPONSORS

Plumbing Supply Forum

www.plumbingsupplyforum.com.au

FORUM WRAP-UP