Articles by Natalie Forster

Global industrial pipe market to reach $52.6 billion by 2030 with 4.1% CAGR. Demand driven by power generation, petrochemical, and industrial processes. Regulatory changes causing project delays for industrial PVF players.

BNP Media’s Plumbing & Mechanical Media Group has received an APEX 2024 award for publication excellence for its 2023 Water Conservation, Quality & Safety eBook.

Research indicates that in the last two decades, the average human attention span has decreased from 12 seconds to 8.25 seconds, with Gen Z's being less than 8 seconds.

Lion Plumbing Supply's renovated Kitchen + Bath Design Center in Miami won the 2024 Showroom of the Year award. It is described as "running on all eight" by the company's President, Paul Gentile, and is located across the street from Lion's wholesale counter known for its high fill rate and same-day delivery.

PM Engineer Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke and Supply House Times Editor Natalie Forster sat down with several industry manufacturers to discuss their efforts, including Andres Caballero, president of Uponor North America, Mark Hudoba, vice president of building solutions division for REHAU, and Marki Huston, COO of Viega.

The global warehouse robotics market is expected to reach a value of $12.99 billion by 2030. Warehouse robotic systems automate tasks like picking, sorting, transporting, and packing, offering faster and more accurate operations.

In the 1930s, John Robertson transitioned from installing to wholesaling furnaces, then added plumbing in 1947. The first headquarters was built in 1953, and branches were opened in the 1960s. In 1984, the company made its first acquisition, expanding into Pennsylvania.

A. O. Smith, celebrating 150 years in 2024, began in 1874 as a metal components supplier for baby carriages and bicycles. Arthur O. Smith designed a lightweight pressed steel car frame and became a major supplier to car manufacturers like Packard, Cadillac, and Ford.

Established in 2002 by industry veterans Steve Sutter and Dan Hodes, Hodes & Sutter is a team of 11 representing 22 manufacturers in Kansas, Missouri, and Southern Illinois. The company's resilience and determination have driven its success from the start to the present day.

The 2024 Premier 150 Distributor Survey reports a drop in sales amongst PHCP-PVF wholesaler-distributors. In 2023, only 66% of companies reported an increase in sales, while 25% experienced a decrease and 9% reported no change.