At this writing in late January some mostly anecdotal information seems to support a notion that PVF industry fortunes may be on a rather steep upswing – or at least looked that way as 2010 drew to a close.

Ferguson announced the acquisition of Summit Pipe and Supply Co. Inc. and Summit Pipe and Supply Co. of Mississippi Inc. in an asset transaction completed Dec. 31, 2010.

ITT Corp. announced a plan to separate the company's businesses into three distinct, publicly traded companies.

Mueller Water Products acquired Echologics Holdings, the parent company of Echologics Engineering Inc., for $8 million in cash in mid-December.

The Charles Machine Works, parent company of Ditch Witch and other underground construction companies, has acquired 100% ownership of Radius Professional HDD Tools in Weatherford, TX.

Valvelinked Inc. is launching its new valve search service, which will connect valve buyers to sellers, enabling sales to occur in a fraction of what is considered the industry standard.

Northwest Pipe Co. appointed Les Boswell as vice president, sales & marketing for the Tubular Products Group.

The Phoenix Forge Group promoted Mark McIntosh to vice president.

Tyco Flow Control acquired the assets of Supavac Pty Limited and Supavac Chile SA.

Flowserve Corp. signed a sole source agreement with Shell.