Edward J. Nierman, Founding Partner of Independent Pipe
& Supply passes at 98

Edward J. Nierman, a founding partner of Canton, Massachusetts-based Independent Pipe & Supply, passed away on Jan. 15, 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.

Nierman wore many hats in the growth of this business, from truck driver to salesperson to administrator. He would often truck to New York in the night, pick up purchased surplus pipe, and deliver it the next morning. He purchased used valves to refurbish for resale. Soon many manufacturers recognized his burgeoning success and established him as a full-line distributor.

His talent, vision, tenacity and solid work ethic laid the foundation for the present family-run business that now spans New England and upstate New York. Nierman was a man of vision for the industry, and his impact was recognized when he was inducted into the PVF Hall of Fame in 2003, which he humbly downplayed. Nierman was also actively involved in several charitable endeavors. As was his nature, he always exhibited a sincere personal interest and concern for customers, vendors, employees, and their families.

Nierman's greatest legacy is the wisdom and humanity he imparted, and his unwavering dedication to the industry, and above all, family.

Consumers Pipe & Supply completes ESOP conversion

Consumers Pipe & Supply Co. has completed a transaction to become 100% employee-owned through its newly created employee stock ownership plan or ESOP.

The company was founded in Commerce, California and is a value-added distributor of all types of pipe, fittings, valves, actuation and steam specialties. Since its inception, the company has been owned and managed by the Abeling family.  

After 56 years of significant expansion and growth, the Abeling family has transitioned 100% of the company’s total ownership to all the employees of the company through the qualified ESOP retirement plan.

All eligible employees will be granted shares of company stock each year, at no cost, allowing them to earn ownership over time through their service to the company and accumulate tax-deferred retirement wealth. Consumers Pipe & Supply Co. joins a group of elite 100% employee-owned companies across the U.S.  

Michael Abeling, president and CEO stated: “Each employee of Consumers Pipe & Supply Co. is a trusted team member. We want our employees to feel that they ‘own and operate’ their own business, which fosters tremendous pride resulting from owning a stake in the company. We also want our hard-working and loyal employees to benefit beyond their wages alone if they continue to help grow their company. Together we strive to be more efficient, safe and responsive to our customers’ needs.”  

Abeling decided to implement this plan because he felt it was the best and most sustainable path forward for the employees and managers of the company in a manner that protects the legacy his family has built. “Legacy was a critical factor in selecting this transition, but equally as important was ensuring that anything we did as owners would also help the employees succeed,” he explained.

Consumers Pipe & Supply Co. was advised by Ambrose Advisors, a national investment banking firm specialized in employee-ownership transactions. Michael Harden, senior managing director with Ambrose Advisors, stated: “Michael Abeling’s goal was to secure a sustainable future for Consumers Pipe & Supply in a manner that would be highly beneficial to its managers, employees, customers, vendors and the community. Employee ownership, when done right, benefits all stakeholders and should be celebrated. It is a true win/win transaction for all parties involved and we were pleased to be a part. We heartily congratulate Consumers Pipe & Supply Co.”

Musick Peeler & Garrett LLP acted as legal counsel in connection with the transaction.

ASC Engineered Systems acquires VEP

ASC Engineered Solutions (formerly Anvil & Smith-Cooper International), a producer and supplier of precision engineered pipe connections, valves, support solutions and related services, has acquired Value Engineered Products (VEP) of Denver, Colorado. VEP offers the plumbing, mechanical and industrial piping industries a series of insulated pipe supports designed to meet the broadest range of applications and piping material types, such as hot piping from 120° F to 1,200° F to cold piping from -250° F to 225° F.

Founded in 1990, VEP provides a patented shield product designed for all types of piping, as well as seismic applications, and has built its reputation on providing responsive customer service and innovative product design.  

ASC Engineered Solutions’ CEO Jason Hild noted: “We are pleased to expand our breadth of hanger and support offerings to the PVF industry. This acquisition is very complementary and strengthens our organization’s ability to provide our customers with market-leading breadth and solutions to meet their needs. We are delighted to welcome Barry Schmidt and the entire VEP team to the ASC family.”