From the large manufacturer whose sales are looking up, to the comparatively small but thriving distributor, those in the pipe, valves and fittings industries have at least one eye on steel these days. George Anderson frequently has both eyes on the issue, as national sales manager for Conbraco, based in Matthews, N.C. The company manufactures a variety of valves (butterfly, check, safety relief) and a number of forged steel products. In addition to pricing, Anderson is concerned about the availability of steel and other metals. China is buying up enormous amounts of product, he explains.
展开▼
