ONLINE PRESS KIT

In this section we provide background on the Valve Manufacturers Association of America, contacts, recent press releases, story ideas and more.

• Press Contacts
• News Releases
  
• VMA Leadership
  
• Fact Sheet
  
• Story Ideas
  

PRESS CONTACTs

Judy Tibbs - VMA Communications (office 804.639.1365; mobile 571.274.0402)

PRESS RELEASES - 2013

U.S. INDUSTRIAL VALVE SHIPMENTS TO GROW 3% IN 2013

(March 19, 2013—Washington, DC) Shipments for the U.S. industrial valve industry will grow 3% in 2013, increasing to nearly $4.3 billion, according to figures released by the Valve Manufacturers Association (VMA) as part of its annual market forecast. The increase marks the fourth consecutive year of growth following the recession, and exceeds the industry’s previous 10-year peak in 2008.

"As VMA starts its 75th year, I’m optimistic about the outlook for our industry. We have rebounded from the downturn, which is a good sign for us and the overall economy. If the end users of our products are ordering from us, then they too are producing,” explained VMA President William Sandler. "I’m also proud of VMA’s important role in strengthening an industry that is the backbone for so many others and that stands out for its level of excellence.” ...

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Valve Manufacturers Association Fact Sheet

• Founded in 1938, the Washington, DC-based Valve Manufacturers Association of America exclusively represents nearly 100 North American manufacturers of valves, actuators and controls, which account for about 80% of total industrial valve shipments out of U.S. and Canadian facilities.
  
  
• VMA companies are an important part of the nation’s economic engine, supplying approximately 35% of worldwide valve demand. Like other engineering and manufacturing industries, the valve industry supports high quality jobs. VMA members alone employ more than 20,000 people directly and thousands more indirectly.
  
  
• As a multi-billion industry, the valve and actuator business greatly contributes to the success of other key industries that rely on its products to keep their products working. Products manufactured by members are used in numerous industries, including: chemical processing; petroleum refining; oil and gas exploration, distribution and transmission; power generation; nuclear power; water/wastewater; commercial construction; and pulp and paper.
  
  
• As VMA starts its 75th year, the outlook for the valve industry is positive, having rebounded from the downturn, which is a good sign for the industry and overall economy. VMA expects shipments for the U.S. industrial valve industry will grow 3% in 2013, increasing to nearly $4.3 billion. The increase marks the fourth consecutive year of growth following the recession, and exceeds the industry’s previous 10-year peak in 2008.
  
  
• 85% of VMA’s membership expects 2013 to be better or equal to 2012. This follows on a year that turned out better than predicted, as 2012 figures surpassed initial projections reaching $4.15 billion, which represents 22% growth over the last decade.
  
  
• Two challenges threaten the competitiveness of the U.S. and Canadian valve industry in the years ahead: the graying of the industry and the shortage of U.S. and Canadian students going into STEM fields. In preparation, VMA established an in-depth valve education program—Valve Ed—to attract and train current and future valve employees.
  
  
• Globalization is an opportunity and challenge for VMA members—both in terms of delivering an outstanding product but also in managing a global workforce and business relationships.

VMA Story Ideas

Valves and VMA are part of the history of the nation. Below are story ideas that capture the breadth of the industry, its contributions and the issues it faces. To discuss these or other story ideas, give us a call at 202.331.8105.

Underpinning Other Industries

Most people don’t realize how many ways their lives are touched by valves. Under streets and in factories, water systems and office buildings are machines and systems that rely on well-made valves, controls, and actuators to function. Many of those that manage these systems and buildings count on U.S. and Canadian valve manufacturers to supply them since their products are known for their outstanding engineering. The story behind the story: an inside look at the roles valves play in people’s lives could provide a different perspective on how work gets done.

Buttressing the Best

Two challenges threaten the competitiveness of the U.S. and Canadian valve industry in the years ahead: the graying of the industry and the shortage of U.S. and Canadian students going into STEM fields. In preparation, VMA established an in-depth valve education program—Valve Ed—in 2009 to attract and train current and future valve employees. Today, the program contains creative components such as Basics in a Box, a Valve Petting Zoo, and other innovative ways to promote valve literacy and career interest. A story about VMA and member companies’ efforts will provide an interesting perspective on an industry working to keep its competitive advantage—one that’s defined by talent.

A World of Valves

An opportunity and challenge for VMA members is the geographic spread of business—both in terms of delivering an outstanding product but also in managing a global workforce. Learning different business customs is crucial to doing business in more parts of the world. In addition, every country has different specifications and needs, which tests the industry’s ability to market and deliver those products. Globalization also means that more international companies are producing valves, which makes it more important than ever for VMA members to show the value of their products.

A Spigot for the Economy

VMA companies are an important part of the nation’s economic engine. As a $4.3 billion industry, the valve and actuator business greatly contributes to the success of other key industries that rely on its products to keep their products working. Like other engineering and manufacturing industries, the valve industry supports high quality jobs, with VMA member companies employing more than 30,000 people directly and thousands more indirectly. The industry’s outlook is promising as shipments are expected to grow by 3 percent this year alone. A look at the North American valve industry—well-known for excellence —also provides perspective on how important the companies and their products are to the health of the U.S. and Canadian economies.

75 Years of Leadership

VMA is celebrating its 75th anniversary, helping keep a flagship industry growing and competitive. Today, VMA is recognized as the "seal of approval” since membership is by invited and based on product quality. In this way, the U.S. and Canadian valve manufacturers have been able to distinguish themselves for their superior engineering and products. VMA continues to steer and position the industry as it faces the challenges of a changing landscape—globally and locally.

Back to the Future

Valves date back thousands of years, but the Romans—with their comparatively sophisticated water systems—are credited with evolving the technology and setting the course for the modern-day valve industry. Leonardo daVinci also played a role, designing canals, irrigation projects, and other large hydraulic systems, which included valves. Another major milestone for the valve industry was the Industrial Revolution, started by the invention of the first industrial steam engine which required valve technology to operate.Today’s valves and actuators are highly specialized and viewed as products within the product and are manufactured separately. A look at valve history provides insights into the evolution of modern society.

LEADERSHIP

VMA Chairman 2013-14

Ivan Velan

Executive Vice President & Chairman of the Board

Velan Valve Corp.

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

VMA Vice Chairman 2013-14

Greg Rogowski

President

Mueller Co.

Chattanooga, TN

VMA Past Chairman 2013-14

Mark Cordell

President, Distributed Valves

Cameron Valves & Measurement

Houston, TX

VMA Program Chairman 2013-14 

Bob Kemple

Executive VP, Sales & Marketing

ASCO Numatics, a Division of Emerson

Florham Park, NJ

VMA President

William S. Sandler, CAE

Washington, DC

202.331.8105 x306

Click here for a list of all members of the VMA Board of Directors.