MRC Global names new president and CEO

MRC Global announced the appointment of Rob Saltiel as president and CEO, and as a member of the company's board of directors, effective March 15, succeeding Andrew Lane, who previously announced his retirement plans.

Rhys Best, MRC Global's chairman of the board said: "As a company, we are celebrating our 100th anniversary this year. We are excited to have Rob join MRC Global to lead its growth through the company's next chapter. Rob's distinguished career in the energy sector includes U.S. and international experience in upstream, downstream and power generation, and he has served as a prior CEO of two public companies. Rob is well-suited to serve MRC Global's existing customers' businesses and their product needs, and to identify and develop new markets and customers as the world transitions its energy infrastructure. We look forward to Rob's leadership of MRC Global and his contributions to our company."

Rob Saltiel 

"I am honored to accept the role as MRC Global's next CEO,” Saltiel said. “MRC Global is an excellent company with talented employees, a leading e-commerce platform, a global distribution network, a culture of customer service and a solid balance sheet. I look forward to working from the strong foundation established by my predecessor, Andrew Lane, and to helping our company grow for the benefit of our shareholders, employees, customers and suppliers."

Best added: "Andrew Lane is retiring from the company after more than 12 years of dedicated service to the company. The MRC Global board of directors thanks Andrew for his leadership and service. Andrew has led the amazing transformation of our company from the merger of two family-owned, U.S.-focused private companies to today's global leader in the distribution of pipe, valves and fittings to the energy industry. He led the company through its successful IPO in 2012 and its e-commerce evolution, as well as many acquisitions to build the company to what it is today. He has also led the company through significant external challenges, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on energy markets. We could not have asked for a steadier hand to lead the company through these volatile times, and we wish Andrew the best in his retirement.

Milwaukee Valve honors rep firm

Sales representative firm HEBCO of Independence, Missouri has been awarded the Milwaukee Valve’s 2021 Ron Stockstell Memorial Award for quarter-turn sales growth in 2020.

Milwaukee Valve created the Ron Stockstell Memorial Award to celebrate the agency that has shown the greatest sales growth in quarter-turn products over the past year. In 2020, HEBCO was able to increase quarter-turn sales by more than 40%, the manufacturer noted. This growth occurred while the company was dealing with the transition of leadership from one generation to the next, and the trials presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because of years of dedication to specification work, and building relationships and trust, as well as seeking and accepting guidance and help, HEBCO enjoyed substantial success, Milwaukee Valve pointed out. The foundations that the business was built on remained strong, including acceptance by the engineering community, preference from the contractor and end-user markets, and continued support from distribution partners, Milwaukee Valve noted.

The Stockstell Award is named for Milwaukee Valve’s first quarter-turn valve product manager, who was hired in 1986 to supervise the development of the company’s bronze and brass ball valves and iron butterfly valves. Prior to his arrival, Milwaukee Valve imported a few brass ball valves and a very limited offering of iron butterfly valves. Under Stockstell’s guidance, Milwaukee Valve designed and manufactured its own valves, and he spearheaded the projects adding the industrial offering of carbon and stainless steel ball valves.

Dakota Supply Group opening new location

Dakota Supply Group announced plans to open a new branch in Watertown, South Dakota. It will be DSG’s seventh location in South Dakota, and its 36th across five states. The new facility will occupy a portion of the Town Clock building at 206 9th Avenue SE on Highway 212.

DSG has been serving customers in the Watertown area from its other South Dakota locations, but having a local presence is another step in the company’s overall effort to bring a world-class customer experience directly to this important market, the distributor explained.

Charlie Hendrickson, as branch manager, will lead the new facility. His experience and knowledge of the Watertown area will ensure the right local inventory and services are available to support this new market, DSG explained.

“We have enjoyed the customer relationships DSG has built in the area. Having a branch location in Watertown will allow us to be even more responsive in the local market,” said Ryan Tracy, DSG South Dakota general manager. “It was also important for us to hire experienced people in Watertown. We’re excited to establish a business that is active in the Watertown community.”

DSG is a 100% employee-owned company with nearly 700 employee-owners.

Ferguson renews partnership with IWSH

As part of its celebration of World Plumbing Day, Ferguson announced it has renewed its partnership with the International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation to expand access to life-saving water and sanitation services in the United States.

More than 30% of families living on the Navajo Nation are forced to haul water to their homes for drinking, bathing and sanitation. They are part of the two million Americans who live without running water and basic indoor plumbing — a number that is increasing in a number of states. Over the past three years, Ferguson has supported IWSH’s efforts to combat this trend by developing household water and decentralized waste solutions on the reservation.  

Additionally, Ferguson has been instrumental in supporting a plumbing training program at Navajo Technical University. Through this program, students will learn basic fundamental skills and benefit with increased access to apprenticeship and other employment opportunities.

“Plumbing is essential to life,” IWSH Managing Director Sean Kearney said. ”Industry plays a critical role in providing solutions. It is evident on the Navajo and now in Texas after their recent storms that skilled labor, plumbing manufacturers and suppliers provide essential, life-changing services. We are grateful for Ferguson’s willingness to continue work with IWSH to make water and sanitation access possible for every American.

Through this partnership, Ferguson is contributing to IWSH’s initiatives that address critical water issues faced by marginalized communities in the United States. These initiatives include responding to the disaster in Texas, improving access to water/sanitation services on the Navajo Nation, addressing the dangers of open-pipe sewage in Alabama and supporting IWSH’s international work in Africa and Asia.

Ferguson’s support for 2021 will include both monetary and in-kind contributions toward IWSH’s mission, which is to ensure that as many people as possible have access to clean, safe water and plumbing systems.

“Ferguson believes in the power of partnerships,” said Melissa Hazelwood, social sustainability senior manager at Ferguson. “We are deeply committed to the communities where our associates and customers work and live. Our collaboration with IWSH is about more than just water and sanitation. We are building futures for all communities and families because we believe water is a basic human right.”

Core & Main acquires Triple T Pipe & Supply

Core & Main reported it has closed on its previously announced agreement to acquire substantially all of the of Triple T Pipe & Supply of Lubbock, Texas. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“Triple T has an amazing team of dedicated people who consistently put their customers first,” said Jack Schaller, president of Core & Main Waterworks. “We welcome them into the Core & Main family and are excited to see what we will accomplish together.”

The team from Triple T will continue to be based in Lubbock, and will move into a new, larger facility to enhance their support of their existing and new customers in West Texas. Core & Main also has locations in El Paso and San Angelo to serve its customer base in West Texas.

“Our combined team will bring a level of excellence in service to West Texas that we could not have accomplished separately. I am excited for our new associates and for our waterworks customers alike,” said Chuck Zappola, regional vice president of Core & Main. “West Texas offers us a big horizon, and we are here to deliver.”

This acquisition is Core & Main’s 12th since becoming an independent company in 2017.

Compiled by Mike Miazga miazgam@bnpmeda.com