NEWS

NIBCO promotes Martin to executive vice president

The NIBCO Board of Directors recently announced the appointment of Ashley Martin as executive vice president, effective immediately. Reporting to NIBCO President and CEO Steve Malm, Martin continues in her role as corporate officer and executive leadership team member; and serves as member of the NIBCO Board of Directors, a position she has held since 2018. She is responsible for maximizing the company’s operating performance and achieving its financial goals.

“Ashley’s business acumen, industry connections and experience have prepared her well,” said Malm in announcing Martin’s appointment. “Her innate leadership qualities and strategic vision will successfully propel NIBCO forward into its fifth generation.”

Since joining NIBCO in 2012, Martin has held a variety of positions, including senior vice president, sales; vice president of wholesale sales; general manager of PEX; and director of distribution and transportation. Martin co-founded the American Supply Association Women in Industry group in 2013. She served a two-year term as chairperson, beginning in 2016.

Martin received her bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Notre Dame, and holds a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in strategy and operations management from Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Uponor donates $30,000 to Texas relief efforts

With a purpose of rethinking water for future generations, Uponor North America is donating $30,000 to Texas relief efforts.

The American Red Cross Central and South Texas Region along with Water Mission are each receiving $15,000 from Uponor to help support their efforts in providing resources, supplies and plumbing repairs for the millions of Texans impacted by the deep freeze in mid-February.

To date, the American Red Cross has deployed more than 280 volunteers and has supplied more than 81,000 meals, 16,400 cleaning and comfort kits, 7,700 overnight stays and 1,300 contacts for those with physical, mental and spiritual health needs.

“Our hearts go out to those in Texas impacted by the extreme weather and the damage caused to homes and businesses,” said Bill Gray, president, Uponor North America. “We understand the importance of clean, healthy water and proudly stand behind the trade professionals who work hard every day to ensure our plumbing systems are delivering this life resource consistently and reliably. We are honored to financially support the American Red Cross and Water Mission as they help Texans in need and work to reestablish clean-water resources throughout the state.”

Watts acquires Silicon Valley provider of wireless water security solutions

The Detection Group, a provider of wireless water security solutions and wireless water leak detection for commercial buildings, has joined the Watts family of brands.

Incorporating cutting-edge technology, its Trident Wireless water leak detection system allows for 24/7/365, real-time detection and notification of the precise location of water leaks in any size or age building — and is the gold standard for water leak detection, Watts states.

The Detection Group (TDG), with headquarters in Sunnyvale, California, currently protects more than 50 million square feet of floor space in well over 400 commercial buildings across the United States. Its Trident system was the first and only wireless leak detection system to obtain coveted FM approval. Equally important, the technology, reliability and quality of the system is recognized by building managers, owners and engineers as best-in-class in the industry, Watts adds.

“TDG addresses a key pain point for commercial and multifamily building owners, that being rising insurance costs due to water leaks,” Watts CEO Robert J. Pagano said. “TDG represents another offering to bundle into our company’s overall suite of smart and connected products, which continues to represent a larger share of our sales. We welcome the TDG team to Watts.”

Autodesk acquires Innovyze

Autodesk announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Portland, Oregon-based Innovyze, a global provider in water infrastructure software, for $1 billion net of cash, subject to working capital and tax closing adjustments. The acquisition positions Autodesk as a technology leader in end-to-end water infrastructure solutions from design to operations, accelerates Autodesk’s digital twin strategy, and creates a clearer path to a more sustainable and digitized water industry, Autodesk explained.

Innovyze’s modeling, simulation and predictive analyses solutions enable more cost-effective and sustainably designed water distribution networks, water collection systems, water and wastewater treatment plants and flood protection systems, Autodesk noted. Further, Innovyze’s solutions centralize infrastructure asset visibility to optimize capital and operational expenses. Combining Innovyze’s portfolio with the power of Autodesk’s design and analysis solutions, including Autodesk Civil 3D, Autodesk InfraWorks and the Autodesk Construction Cloud, offers civil engineers, water utility companies and water experts the ability to better respond to issues and to improve planning, Autodesk added.

IAPMO announces Rogers promotion

IAPMO announced the promotion of Region 4 Manager Brian Rogers to vice president of field services.

A 26-year veteran of the trades, Rogers joined IAPMO in 2015 as the manager responsible for IAPMO’s interests in the Midwestern states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Prior to joining IAPMO, Rogers wore many hats, including stints as a superintendent, inspector, contractor and instructor. He holds a master license in plumbing, hydronics, refrigeration and HVAC, and is a certified medical gas installer and backflow technician.

In addition to his efforts integral to code advocacy in cities and counties across his region, Rogers is a frequent instructor of educational seminars, delivering continuing education units for licensing requirements, and was instrumental in the re-establishment of the Nebraska Central IAPMO chapter.

“Brian’s determination, diligence and dedication to serving IAPMO’s membership and stakeholders accentuates the great work performed each day by our Field Services team,” said D.J. Nunez, senior vice president of field services. “His field experience and technical knowledge of plumbing and mechanical code provisions is a benefit to the entire industry.”